Relating tensor structures on representations of general linear and symmetric groups

TL;DR

This paper explores a new tensor product structure on polynomial representations of general linear groups and its relation to symmetric group representations, revealing new homological phenomena and applications to classical problems.

Contribution

It establishes that the internal tensor product corresponds to the Kronecker product via Schur functors over any base ring, enriching the understanding of tensor structures in representation theory.

Findings

The internal tensor product aligns with the Kronecker product via Schur functors.

Homological phenomena appear in modular representation theory with the new tensor product.

Application to the Kronecker problem for specific partitions in characteristic zero.

Abstract

For polynomial representations of $GL_n$ of a fixed degree, H. Krause defined a new internal tensor product using the language of strict polynomial functors. We show that over an arbitrary commutative base ring $k$, the Schur functor carries this internal tensor product to the usual Kronecker tensor product of symmetric group representations. This is true even at the level of derived categories. The new tensor product is a substantial enrichment of the Kronecker tensor product. E.g. in modular representation theory it brings in homological phenomena not visible on the symmetric group side. We calculate the internal tensor product over any $k$ in several interesting cases involving classical functors and the Weyl functors. We show an application to the Kronecker problem in characteristic zero when one partition has two rows or is a hook.