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Matching algebras and their Dunkl subalgebras

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Abstract

For a finite simple graph G=(V,E)G = (V, E), we consider the quotient algebra M(G)\mathcal M(G) of the polynomial ring in the variables ueu_e (for e∈Ee \in E) by the ideal generated by all products ueufu_e u_f for non-disjoint edges ee and ff (including all squares ue2u_e^2). This quotient is called the matching algebra of GG, since it has a basis indexed by the matchings of GG. In this quotient, we define a subalgebra D(G)\mathcal D(G) generated by the signed incidence sums θv=∑e=(v,w)ue−∑e=(w,v)ueθ_v=\sum_{e=(v,w)}u_e-\sum_{e=(w,v)}u_e for all v∈Vv \in V (where all edges of GG are oriented arbitrarily); we call this the Dunkl matching algebra. We show that, as a graded vector space, D(G)\mathcal D(G) is dual to the span of all polynomials pM=∏(i,j)∈M(xi−xj)p_M = \prod_{(i,j) \in M} (x_i - x_j), where MM ranges over all matchings of GG. For the complete graph KnK_n, the latter span is a direct sum of two-row Specht modules (one in each degree); thus its Hilbert series is that of the Catalan triangle, and, in characteristic zero, the Dunkl matching algebra can be presented by linear and quadratic relations. For arbitrary graphs, we formulate the saturation problem of deciding when the selected matching Specht generators pMp_M in a given degree kk span the full two-row Specht module S(n−k,k)S^{(n-k,k)}. We show that saturation in degree kk forces kk-connectivity, that saturation in degree 22 is equivalent to 22-connectivity, and that kk-linked graphs are saturated in degree kk. We also prove saturation in every possible degree whenever the complement of GG is a matching. We show that the Dunkl matching algebra equals the full matching algebra exactly for forests, and give an explicit Hilbert series formula for unicyclic graphs.

Introduction

Let G=(V,E)G=(V,E) be a finite simple graph. The matching generating polynomial of GG records the numbers of sets of pairwise vertex-disjoint edges. In this note we lift this elementary invariant to a graded algebra

M(G)=k[ue:e∈E]/(ueuf:e∩f≠∅).\mathcal{M}(G)=\mathbb{k}[u_e:e\in E]/(u_eu_f:e\cap f\ne\varnothing).

In this algebra, we define the signed incidence sums

θv=∑e=(v,w)ue−∑e=(w,v)uefor all v∈V,\theta_v=\sum_{e=(v,w)}u_e-\sum_{e=(w,v)}u_e \qquad\text{for all }v\in V,

where an orientation of GG has been chosen. We denote by D(G)\mathcal{D}(G) the subalgebra generated by the θv\theta_v and call it the Dunkl matching algebra. The goal of the present note is to understand this algebra D(G)\mathcal{D}(G), in particular its Hilbert series.

The homogeneous parts D(G)k\mathcal{D}(G)_k of D(G)\mathcal{D}(G) stand in a natural duality to certain subspaces of the polynomial ring k[xv∣v∈V]\mathbf{k}[x_v \mid v \in V]. Namely, for each matching MM, define the polynomial

pM=pM(x)=∏(i,j)∈M(xi−xj)∈k[xv∣v∈V].p_M=p_M(x)=\prod_{(i,j)\in M}(x_i-x_j)\in\mathbf{k}[x_v\mid v\in V].

For any k≥0k\ge0, we define the vector subspace

Pk(G):=span⁡k{pM:M is a k-matching of G} of k[xv∣v∈V].P_k(G):=\operatorname{span}_{\mathbf{k}}\{p_M:M\text{ is a }k\text{-matching of }G\}\text{ of }\mathbf{k}[x_v\mid v\in V].

The main results we shall show are the following:

  • For each k≥0k\ge0, we have

dim⁡D(G)k=dim⁡Pk(G);\dim\mathcal{D}(G)_k=\dim P_k(G);

see Theorem 3.2. More precisely, the proof gives a canonical perfect pairing between D(G)k\mathcal{D}(G)_k and Pk(G)P_k(G) (see Remark 3.3); thus, Pk(G)P_k(G) becomes a dual polynomial model for D(G)k\mathcal{D}(G)_k. Consequently, the Hilbert function of D(G)\mathcal{D}(G) records the ranks of the matching-restricted products ∏(i,j)∈M(xi−xj)\prod_{(i,j)\in M}(x_i-x_j).

  • For the complete graph KnK_n, the dual polynomial model becomes classical representation theory: for 0≤k≤⌊n/2⌋0\le k\le\lfloor n/2\rfloor,

Pk(Kn)≅S(n−k,k).P_k(K_n)\cong S^{(n-k,k)}.

Here S(n−k,k)S^{(n-k,k)} is the Specht module of shape (n−k,k)(n-k,k) (and is irreducible in characteristic zero). Thus, the Hilbert series of D(Kn)\mathcal{D}(K_n) is the generating function of the nn-th row of the Catalan triangle; see Theorem 4.1. In characteristic zero, we also obtain the presentation

D(Kn)≅k[z1,…,zn]/(z1+⋯+zn,z12,…,zn2);\mathcal{D}(K_n)\cong\mathbf{k}[z_1,\ldots,z_n]/(z_1+\cdots+z_n,z_1^2,\ldots,z_n^2);

see Theorem 4.4.

  • Motivated by the complete-graph case, we say that a graph GG is kk-saturated when Pk(G)=Pk(Kn)P_k(G)=P_k(K_n). We prove the implications

k-linked⟹k-saturated⟹k-connected;k\text{-linked}\Longrightarrow k\text{-saturated}\Longrightarrow k\text{-connected};

see Propositions 5.4 and 5.11. In degree 22 the second implication is an equivalence:

P2(G)=P2(Kn)⟺G is 2-connectedP_2(G)=P_2(K_n)\Longleftrightarrow G\text{ is }2\text{-connected}

for n≥4n\ge4; see Theorem 5.9. We also show that if G‾\overline{G} is a matching, then GG is saturated in every possible degree; see Theorem 5.12.

  • The matching generating polynomial and the Dunkl Hilbert series of GG (that is, the Hilbert series of D(G)\mathcal{D}(G)) are incomparable invariants: neither determines the other. Indeed, P3P_3 and K3K_3 have the same Dunkl Hilbert series 1+2t1+2t but different matching generating polynomials 1+2t1+2t and 1+3t1+3t, respectively; in the other direction, Proposition 5.17 gives graphs with the same matching generating polynomial but different Dunkl Hilbert series. We also obtain explicit positive formulas in sparse cases. Namely,

D(G)=M(G)⟺G is a forest;\mathcal{D}(G)=\mathcal{M}(G)\Longleftrightarrow G\text{ is a forest};

see Proposition 5.15. For a unicyclic graph with unique cycle CC and F=G−V(C)F = G - V(C), we obtain a short exact sequence of graded vector spaces

0⟶M(F)(−1)⟶M(G)⟶⨁k≥0Pk(G)⟶0.0 \longrightarrow\mathcal{M}(F)(-1) \longrightarrow\mathcal{M}(G) \longrightarrow\bigoplus_{k \ge0} P_k(G) \longrightarrow0.

and hence (using the notation mG\mathbf{m}_G for the matching generating polynomial of GG)

Hilb⁡(D(G),t)=mG(t)−tmF(t);\operatorname{Hilb}(\mathcal{D}(G),t) = \mathbf{m}_G(t) - t\mathbf{m}_F(t);

see Theorem 5.16. Minimal pairs with the same matching generating polynomial but different Dunkl Hilbert series occur on 4 vertices in general, on 5 vertices among connected graphs, and on 6 vertices among 2-connected graphs; see Proposition 5.17 and Remark 5.18.

  • Finally, we survey a related construction in the larger square-zero edge algebra [24], where distinct incident edge generators are allowed to multiply. For each nontrivial vertex cut δ(S)\delta(S), consider the cut monomial

ηS:=∏e∈δ(S)ue\eta_S := \prod_{e \in\delta(S)} u_e

and impose the relations ηS=0\eta_S = 0 for all such SS. If these relations are imposed inside the subalgebra generated by the signed incidence sums, the resulting quotient is the central graphical zonotopal algebra. If they are imposed instead in the whole square-zero edge algebra, the surviving monomials are precisely the uFu_F for which deleting FF leaves GG connected; hence the Hilbert series counts connected spanning subgraphs and is a specialization of the all-terminal reliability polynomial. See Propositions A.1 and A.2; these results are not new, so we provide no proofs.

Motivation. This work is inspired by the Fomin–Kirillov approach to Schubert calculus, see [10, 2, 18]. However in our set-up the adjective “Dunkl” is motivational only. Unlike the Fomin–Kirillov algebra [10], our matching algebra is commutative and kills every product of two incident edge generators.

Recall that the Fomin–Kirillov quadratic algebra En\mathcal{E}_n is generated by antisymmetric symbols [ij]=−[ji][ij] = -[ji] subject, in particular, to [ij]2=0[ij]^2 = 0, commutation of generators with disjoint supports, and certain three-term relations on triples of indices. Its distinguished elements

ϑi=∑j≠i[ij]\vartheta_i = \sum_{j \ne i} [ij]

are known as the Dunkl elements. A fundamental feature of the construction is that these elements commute, and the commutative subalgebra which they generate provides an algebraic model for the cohomology ring of the complete flag variety; see [10]. This point of view has subsequently led to variants for other Coxeter groups, quantum cohomology, KK-theory, and Nichols–Woronowicz algebras.

Blasiak, Liu, and Mészáros [7 Definition 2.3] have introduced restrictions of this algebra to a graph. For a graph GG on [n][n], they define EG\mathcal{E}_G to be the subalgebra of En\mathcal{E}_n generated by those [ij][ij] for which {i,j}\{i,j\} is an edge of GG. Their graph restriction is thus a subalgebra construction, rather than the quotient obtained by setting nonedge generators equal to zero.

Our construction may be viewed as a quotient of this picture. Give the generator corresponding to an unoriented edge {i,j}\{i,j\} the sign determined by an orientation and write it as uij=−ujiu_{ij}=-u_{ji}. If, in addition to the Fomin–Kirillov relations, one kills every product

uijukℓwith{i,j}∩{k,ℓ}≠∅,u_{ij}u_{k\ell}\qquad\text{with}\qquad\{i,j\}\cap\{k,\ell\}\ne\varnothing,

and kills the generators corresponding to nonedges of GG, then the resulting commutative quotient is precisely the matching algebra M(G)\mathcal{M}(G). Under this quotient the Dunkl element ϑi\vartheta_i descends to the signed incidence sum θi\theta_i. Thus D(G)D(G) can be interpreted as the part of the Dunkl-element construction which survives after only products supported on matchings are retained. Equivalently, the quotient map En↠M(Kn)E_n\twoheadrightarrow\mathcal{M}(K_n) that kills products of incident edge generators restricts to a surjection EG↠M(G)E_G\twoheadrightarrow\mathcal{M}(G), where M(G)\mathcal{M}(G) is identified with the subalgebra of M(Kn)\mathcal{M}(K_n) generated by the edges of GG.

This truncation changes the nature of the problem considerably. The flag-variety and Bruhat-order connections of the classical setting are replaced by the incidence structure of a graph, while the linear forms xi−xjx_i-x_j, i.e., the roots of type AA, reappear on the dual side. One may therefore ask how much of the structure carried by Dunkl elements survives under this severe matching truncation. The results below show that the answer retains a surprising amount of structure: for the complete graph the homogeneous components are governed by two-row Specht modules, whereas for arbitrary graphs the failure or success of spanning the corresponding Specht module detects connectivity properties of the graph. In this sense, the matching quotient provides a bridge between the Dunkl-element philosophy, matching theory, and the representation theory of the symmetric group.

Related work. Subalgebras generated by vertices in the commutative algebra generated by edges have been considered in e.g., [24, 25]. Moreover, in the case of complete graphs they also have a geometric interpretation, see [26]. Products of arbitrary subfamilies of a vector configuration have a rich theory related to Tutte polynomials; see Berget [5] and the zonotopal literature [1, 15]. Our restriction to vertex-disjoint subfamilies is not matroidal: it remembers the incidence of edges at vertices. It also differs from graph Specht modules and their relationship with matching polytopes studied by Liu [21]. The construction lies naturally between these two subjects.

Several nearby constructions attach graded objects to matchings but use a different algebraic mechanism. Numata [23] studies an Artinian Gorenstein algebra obtained by apolarity from a weighted matching generating function and proves a strong Lefschetz property. Li [19] proves strong equivariant log-concavity for the graded permutation representation on the matchings of an arbitrary graph. For perfect matchings of complete graphs, Filmus and Lindzey [11] develop harmonic polynomial models involving Specht polynomials and matching-inclusion matrices. Bedratyuk’s graph algebra [4], whose basis is indexed by all simple graphs on a fixed vertex set, also carries Boolean up/down operators and two-row Specht modules. Bergeron, Chan, Soltani, and Zabrocki [3] study a construction deceptively parallel to our Pk(Kn)P_k(K_n) in an exterior algebra: products of differences ξj−ξi\xi_j-\xi_i indexed by noncrossing pairings give bases of exterior quasisymmetric harmonic spaces whose degree-kk dimensions agree with dim⁡Pk(Kn)\dim P_k(K_n). We compare the two constructions more closely in Remark 4.3. None of these constructions is the incidence-generated subalgebra D(G)⊆M(G)\mathcal{D}(G)\subseteq\mathcal{M}(G) studied here.

There is one direct overlap at the level of the abstract complete-graph presentation. Jonsson Kling, Lundqvist, Mohammadi, Orth, and Sáenz-de-Cabezón [17] study the more general almost complete intersections

k[z1,…,zn]/(z12,…,zn2,(z1+⋯+zn)q).\mathsf{k}[z_1,\ldots,z_n]/(z_1^2,\ldots,z_n^2,(z_1+\cdots+z_n)^q).

The quotient occurring in our characteristic-zero presentation of D(Kn)\mathcal{D}(K_n) is their case q=1q=1. The contribution here is therefore not the abstract quotient itself, but its realization inside a matching algebra, its matching-product duality, and the resulting saturation problem for arbitrary graphs.

AI use statement. The bulk of this paper was written by GPT-5.6 based on old notes (which contained more questions than proofs) and some tactical prompting; in particular, GPT-5.6 contributed all the proofs in § 5. We have read and verified the entire text and edited it for clarity and style.

Acknowledgments. We thank Per Alexandersson for inspiring conversations early on in the project.

Notations. Throughout, k\mathsf{k} is a field. In some places, we will additionally assume that k\mathsf{k} has characteristic zero.

The matching algebra

Let G=(V,E)G=(V,E) be a finite simple graph. Its edges are 2-element sets of vertices; thus, two edges e,fe,f satisfy e∩f≠∅e\cap f\ne\varnothing if and only if they have a common endpoint (this allows e=fe=f). Two edges ee and ff are said to be incident if e∩f≠∅e\cap f\ne\varnothing.

Definition 2.1. The matching algebra of GG is the commutative k\mathsf{k}-algebra

M(G):=k[ue:e∈E]/(ueuf:e∩f≠∅).\mathcal{M}(G):=\mathsf{k}[u_e:e\in E]/(u_eu_f:e\cap f\ne\varnothing).

That is, M(G)\mathcal{M}(G) is the quotient of the polynomial ring k[ue:e∈E]\mathsf{k}[u_e:e\in E] by the monomial ideal generated by all products ueufu_eu_f with ee and ff being two incident edges (including the case e=fe=f). It is graded by degree, where every generator ueu_e has degree 1.

For a matching M⊆EM\subseteq E of GG, define the element

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