The Socle and Semisimplicity of a Kumjian–Pask Algebra

Abstract

The Kumjian–Pask algebra KP(Λ) is a graded algebra associated to a higher-rank graph Λ and is a generalization of the Leavitt path algebra of a directed graph. We analyze the minimal left ideals of KP(Λ), and identify its socle as a graded ideal by describing its generators in terms of a subset of vertices of the graph. We characterize when KP(Λ) is semisimple, and obtain a complete structure theorem for a semisimple Kumjian–Pask algebra. As a consequence of this structure theorem, every semisimple Kumjian–Pask algebra can be obtained as a Leavitt path algebra of a directed graph.