Comparability in the graph monoid

TL;DR

This paper studies a monoid associated with directed graphs and a group action, characterizing its elements' comparability and periodicity, and exploring implications for classifying Leavitt path algebras.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive characterization of the monoid structure and its relation to graph properties, supporting the Graded Classification Conjecture.

Findings

Characterization of graphs where all monoid elements are comparable

Identification of graphs with exclusively aperiodic or periodic elements

Implication that the monoid structure reflects graph properties and supports classification conjectures

Abstract

Let $\Gamma$ be the infinite cyclic group on a generator $x.$ To avoid confusion when working with $\mathbb Z$-modules which also have an additional $\mathbb Z$-action, we consider the $\mathbb Z$-action to be a $\Gamma$-action instead. Starting from a directed graph $E$, one can define a cancellative commutative monoid $M_E^\Gamma$ with a $\Gamma$-action which agrees with the monoid structure and a natural order. The order and the action enable one to label each nonzero element as being exactly one of the following: comparable (periodic or aperiodic) or incomparable. We comprehensively pair up these element features with the graph-theoretic properties of the generators of the element. We also characterize graphs such that every element of $M_E^\Gamma$ is comparable, periodic, graphs such that every nonzero element of $M_E^\Gamma$ is aperiodic, incomparable, graphs such that no nonzero element of $M_E^\Gamma$ is periodic, and graphs such that no element of $M_E^\Gamma$ is aperiodic. The Graded Classification Conjecture can be formulated to state that $M_E^\Gamma$ is a complete invariant of the Leavitt path algebra $L_K(E)$ of $E$ over a field $K.$ Our characterizations indicate that the Graded Classification Conjecture may have a positive answer since the properties of $E$ are well reflected by the structure of $M_E^\Gamma.$ Our work also implies that some results of [R. Hazrat, H. Li, The talented monoid of a Leavitt path algebra, J. Algebra, 547 (2020) 430-455] hold without requiring the graph to be row-finite.