Some amazing properties of spherical nilpotent orbits

Abstract

Let $\g$ be simple Lie algebra. We give a conceptual proof for the fact that the nilpotent orbits of height 3 are spherical. It is shown that if the highest root of $\g$ is fundamental, then $\g$ has a specific nilpotent orbit of height 3. This orbit satisfies several interesting relations. Moreover, it can be used for an intrinsic construction of a $G_2$ grading in $\g$. We also discuss an approach to describing the algebra of covariants on a nilpotent orbit. For the nilpotent orbits of height 2, it is shown that the algebra of regular functions is a free module over the algebra of covariants. For the nilpotent orbits of height 3, a conjectural description of the algebra of covariants is given. This description is compatible with all previously known examples.