Evaluating $\mathrm {SU}(3)$ Verlinde sums using spectral graph theory

Source abstract

We realize the $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ Verlinde sums $V_n(m)$, up to an explicit factor, as the values at $n$ of the spectral zeta function of a higher-order Laplace operator on the triangular discrete torus on $m^2$ vertices. For fixed $m$, we express their generating function in terms of the logarithmic derivative of an associated even spectral polynomial and express this polynomial as an explicit iterated resultant. Exploiting permutation symmetry, we prove that this polynomial is a cube over $\mathbb{Q}$, apart from an explicit quadratic factor when $3\mid m$. This factorization yields shorter linear recurrences satisfied by $V_n(m)$ with constant coefficients. We also derive Binet-type formulas expressing $V_n(m)$ as finite linear combinations of powers of rescaled inverse squares of the roots of the spectral polynomial. These results provide an efficient algorithm for computing these Verlinde sums. Several fully developed examples demonstrating computational efficiency of the method are given, including expressions in terms of Fibonacci and Lucas numbers.