Geometric Representation Seminar——Character sheaves and Hecke algebras

Abstract

We discuss character sheaves in the setting of graded Lie algebras. Via a nearby cycle construction irreducible representations of Hecke algebras of complex reflection groups at roots of unity enter the description of character sheaves. Recent work of Lusztig and Yun relates Fourier transforms of character sheaves to irreducible representations of trigonometric double affine Hecke algebras. We will explain the connection between the work of Lusztig-Yun and our work, and discuss some conjectures arising from this connection. If time permits, we will discuss applications to cohomology of Hessenberg varieties and affine Springer fibres. This is based on joint work with Kari Vilonen and partly with Tsao-Hsien Chen and Misha Grinberg.