Graph IRF Models and Fusion Rings

Recently, a class of interaction round the face (IRF) solvable lattice models were introduced, based on any rational conformal field theory (RCFT). We investigate here the connection between the general solvable IRF models and the fusion ones. To this end, we introduce an associative algebra associated to any graph, as the algebra of products of the eigenvalues of the incidence matrix. If a model is based on an RCFT, its associated graph algebra is the fusion ring of the RCFT. A number of examples are studied. The Gordon--generalized IRF models are studied, and are shown to come from RCFT, by the graph algebra construction. The IRF models based on the Dynkin diagrams of A-D-E are studied. While the $A$ case stems from an RCFT, it is shown that the $D-E$ cases do not. The graph algebras are constructed, and it is speculated that a natural isomorphism relating these to RCFT exists. The question whether all solvable IRF models stems from an RCFT remains open, though the $D-E$ cases shows that a mixing of the primary fields is needed.