Regularity of rational vertex operator algebras

Abstract

A regular vertex operator algebra is a vertex operator algebra such that any weak module (without grading) is a direct sum of ordinary irreducible modules. In this paper we give several sufficient conditions under which a rational vertex operator algebra is regular. We prove that the moonshine module vertex operator algebra $V^{\natural},$ the vertex operator algebras $L(l,0)$ associated with the integrable representations of affine algebras of level $l,$ the vertex operator algebras $L(c_{p,q},0)$ associated with irreducible highest weight representations for the discrete series of the Virasoro algebra and the vertex operator algebras $V_L$ associated with positive definite even lattices $L$ are regular. Our result for $L(l,0)$ implies that any restricted integrable module of level $l$ for the corresponding affine Lie algebra is a direct sum of irreducible highest weight integrable modules. The space $V_L$ in general is a vertex algebra if $L$ is not positive definite. In this case we establish the complete reducibility of any weak module.