Root multiplicities for Borcherds algebras and graph coloring

Abstract

We establish a connection between root multiplicities for Borcherds–Kac–Moody algebras and graph coloring. We show that the generalized chromatic polynomial of the graph associated to a given Borcherds algebra can be used to give a closed formula for certain root multiplicities. Using this connection we give a second interpretation, namely that the root multiplicity of a given root coincides with the number of acyclic orientations with a unique sink of a certain graph (depending on the root). Finally, using the combinatorics of Lyndon words we construct a basis for the root spaces corresponding to these roots and determine the Hilbert series in the case when all simple roots are imaginary. As an application we give a Lie theoretic proof of Stanley's reciprocity theorem of chromatic polynomials.