Lie Algebras

Lie Algebras is based on lectures given by the author at the Institute of Mathematics, Academia Sinica. This book discusses the fundamentals of the Lie algebras theory formulated by S. Lie. The author explains that Lie algebras are algebraic structures employed when one studies Lie groups. The book also explains Engel's theorem, nilpotent linear Lie algebras, as well as the existence of Cartan subalgebras and their conjugacy. The text also addresses the Cartan decompositions and root systems of semi-simple Lie algebras and the dependence of structure of semi-simple Lie algebras on root systems. The text explains in details the fundamental systems of roots of semi simple Lie algebras and Weyl groups including the properties of the latter. The book addresses the group of automorphisms and the derivation algebra of a Lie algebra and Schur's lemma. The book then shows the characters of irreducible representations of semi simple Lie algebras. This book can be useful for students in advance algebra or who have a background in linear algebra.