We introduce and investigate new invariants of pairs of modules $M$ and $N$ over quantum affine algebras $U_{q}^{\prime }(\mathfrak{g})$ by analyzing their associated $R$-matrices. Using these new invariants, we provide a criterion for a monoidal category of finite-dimensional integrable $U_{q}^{\prime }(\mathfrak{g})$-modules to become a monoidal categorification of a cluster algebra.

We prove that, for simple modules $M$ and $N$ over a quantum affine algebra, their tensor product $M\otimes N$ has a simple head and a simple socle if $M\otimes M$ is simple. A similar result is proved for the convolution product of simple modules over quiver Hecke algebras.

Twisted K-theory classes over compact Lie groups can be realized as families of Fredholm operators using the representation theory of loop groups. In this paper we show how to deform the Fredholm family in the sense of quantum groups. The family of Dirac-type operators is parametrized by vectors in the adjoint module for a quantum affine algebra and transforms covariantly under a central extension of the algebra.

In this paper we give a realization of crystal bases for quantum affine algebras using some new combinatorial objects which we call the Young walls. The Young walls consist of colored blocks with various shapes that are built on a given ground-state wall and can be viewed as generalizations of Young diagrams. The rules for building Young walls and the action of Kashiwara operators are given explicitly in terms of combinatorics of Young walls. The crystal graph of a basic representation is characterized as the set of all reduced proper Young walls. The character of a basic representation can be computed easily by counting the number of colored blocks that have been added to the ground-state wall.

2000 Mathematical Subject Classification: 17B37, 17B65, 81R50, 82B23.