Worpitzky partitions for root systems and characteristic quasi-polynomials

Abstract

For a given irreducible root system, we introduce a partition of (coweight) lattice points inside the dilated fundamental parallelepiped into those of partially closed simplices. This partition can be considered as a generalization and a lattice points interpretation of the classical formula of Worpitzky.

This partition, and the generalized Eulerian polynomial, recently introduced by Lam and Postnikov, can be used to describe the characteristic (quasi)polynomials of Shi and Linial arrangements. As an application, we prove that the characteristic quasi-polynomial of the Shi arrangement turns out to be a polynomial. We also present several results on the location of zeros of characteristic polynomials, related to a conjecture of Postnikov and Stanley. In particular, we verify the “functional equation” of the characteristic polynomial of the Linial arrangement for any root system, and give partial affirmative results on “Riemann hypothesis” for the root systems of type $E_6, E_7, E_8$, and $F_4$.