English

Spin networks and SL(2,C)-Character varieties

Quantum Algebra 2013-05-14 v3 Algebraic Geometry

Abstract

Denote the free group on 2 letters by F_2 and the SL(2,C)-representation variety of F_2 by R=Hom(F_2,SL(2,C)). The group SL(2,C) acts on R by conjugation. We construct an isomorphism between the coordinate ring C[SL(2,C)] and the ring of matrix coefficients, providing an additive basis of C[R]^SL(2,C) in terms of spin networks. Using a graphical calculus, we determine the symmetries and multiplicative structure of this basis. This gives a canonical description of the regular functions on the SL(2,C)-character variety of F_2 and a new proof of a classical result of Fricke, Klein, and Vogt.

Cite

@article{arxiv.math/0511271,
  title  = {Spin networks and SL(2,C)-Character varieties},
  author = {Sean Lawton and Elisha Peterson},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:math/0511271},
  year   = {2013}
}

Comments

Updated historical treatment of the subject. Figures drawn with PGF/TikZ; Handbook of Teichmuller Theory II, A. Papadopoulos (ed), EMS Publishing House, Zurich, 2008