Lie superalgebras are a natural generalization of Lie algebras, having applications in geometry, number theory, gauge field theory, and string theory. Introduction to Finite and Infinite Dimensional Lie Algebras and Superalgebras introduces the theory of Lie superalgebras, their algebras, and their representations. The material covered ranges from basic definitions of Lie groups to the classification of finite-dimensional representations of semi-simple Lie algebras. While discussing all classes of finite and infinite dimensional Lie algebras and Lie superalgebras in terms of their different classes of root systems, the book focuses on Kac-Moody algebras. With numerous exercises and worked examples, it is ideal for graduate courses on Lie groups and Lie algebras. Discusses the fundamental structure and all root relationships of Lie algebras and Lie superalgebras and their finite and infinite dimensional representation theory Closely describes BKM Lie superalgebras, their different classes of imaginary root systems, their complete classifications, root-supermultiplicities, and related combinatorial identities Includes numerous tables of the properties of individual Lie algebras and Lie superalgebras Focuses on Kac-Moody algebras

This volume begins with an introduction to the structure of finite-dimensional simple Lie algebras, including the representation of ...... root systems, the Cartan matrix, and a Dynkin diagram of a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra. Continuing on, the main subjects of the book are the structure (real and imaginary root systems) of and the character formula for Kac-Moody superalgebras, which is explained in a very general setting. Only elementary linear algebra and group theory are assumed. Also covered is modular property and asymptotic behavior of integrable characters of affine Lie algebras. The exposition is self-contained and includes examples. The book can be used in a graduate-level course on the topic.

There is no question that the cohomology of infinite dimensional Lie algebras deserves a brief and separate mono graph. This subject is not cover~d by any of the tradition al branches of mathematics and is characterized by relative ly elementary proofs and varied application. Moreover, the subject matter is widely scattered in various research papers or exists only in verbal form. The theory of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras differs markedly from the theory of finite-dimensional Lie algebras in that the latter possesses powerful classification theo rems, which usually allow one to "recognize" any finite dimensional Lie algebra (over the field of complex or real numbers), i.e., find it in some list. There are classifica tion theorems in the theory of infinite-dimensional Lie al gebras as well, but they are encumbered by strong restric tions of a technical character. These theorems are useful mainly because they yield a considerable supply of interest ing examples. We begin with a list of such examples, and further direct our main efforts to their study.

This collection of invited expository articles focuses on recent developments and trends in infinite-dimensional Lie theory, which has become one of the core areas of modern mathematics. The book is divided into three parts: infinite-dimensional Lie (super-)algebras, geometry of infinite-dimensional Lie (transformation) groups, and representation theory of infinite-dimensional Lie groups. Contributors: B. Allison, D. Beltiţă, W. Bertram, J. Faulkner, Ph. Gille, H. Glöckner, K.-H. Neeb, E. Neher, I. Penkov, A. Pianzola, D. Pickrell, T.S. Ratiu, N.R. Scheithauer, C. Schweigert, V. Serganova, K. Styrkas, K. Waldorf, and J.A. Wolf.

Originating from graduate topics courses given by the first author, this book functions as a unique text-monograph hybrid that bridges a traditional graduate course to research level representation theory. The exposition includes an introduction to the subject, some highlights of the theory and recent results in the field, and is therefore appropriate for advanced graduate students entering the field as well as research mathematicians wishing to expand their knowledge. The mathematical background required varies from chapter to chapter, but a standard course on Lie algebras and their representations, along with some knowledge of homological algebra, is necessary. Basic algebraic geometry and sheaf cohomology are needed for Chapter 10. Exercises of various levels of difficulty are interlaced throughout the text to add depth to topical comprehension. The unifying theme of this book is the structure and representation theory of infinite-dimensional locally reductive Lie algebras and superalgebras. Chapters 1-6 are foundational; each of the last 4 chapters presents a self-contained study of a specialized topic within the larger field. Lie superalgebras and flag supermanifolds are discussed in Chapters 3, 7, and 10, and may be skipped by the reader.

This monograph gives an overview of various classes of infinite-dimensional Lie groups and their applications in Hamiltonian mechanics, fluid dynamics, integrable systems, gauge theory, and complex geometry. The text includes many exercises and open questions.