Dynkin index
In mathematics, the Dynkin index
of a representation with highest weight of a compact simple Lie algebra that has a highest weight is defined by
evaluated in the representation. Here are the matrices representing the generators, and
is given by
evaluated in the defining representation.
By taking traces, we find that
where the Weyl vector
is equal to half of the sum of all the positive roots of. The expression is the value of the quadratic Casimir in the representation. The index is always a positive integer.
In the particular case where is the highest root, meaning that is the adjoint representation, is equal to the dual Coxeter number.
