Quantum generalized Heisenberg algebras and their representations

Abstract

We introduce and study a new class of algebras, which we name quantum generalized Heisenberg algebras (qGHA), including both the so-called generalized Heisenberg algebras and the generalized down-up algebras, but allowing more parameters of freedom, so as to encompass a wider range of applications and provide a common framework for several previously studied classes of algebras. In particular, our class includes the enveloping algebras of the Lie algebra sl2 and of the 3-dimensional Heisenberg Lie algebra, as well as its q-deformation, neither of which can be realized as a generalized Heisenberg algebra. This paper focuses mostly on the classification of finite-dimensional irreducible representations of qGHA, a study which reveals their rich structure. Although these algebras are not in general noetherian, their representations still retain a Lie-theoretic flavor. We work over a field of arbitrary characteristic and our results are presented in a characteristic-free fashion.