On the classification of simple vertex operator algebras

Inspired by a recent work of Frenkel-Zhu, we study a class of (pre-)vertex operator algebras (voa) associated to the self-dual Lie algebras. Based on a few elementary structural results we propose thatV, the category of Z₊-graded prevoasV in whichV0] is one-dimensional, is a proper setting in which to study and classify simple objects. The categoryV is organized into what we call the minimalk ^th types. We introduce a functor —which we call the Frenkel-Lepowsky-Meurman functor—that attaches to each object inV a Lie algebra. This is a key idea which leads us to a (relative) classification of thesimple minimal first type. We then study the set of all Virasoro structures on a fixed minimal first typeV, and show that they are in turn classified by the orbits of the automorphism group Aut((V)) in cent((V)). Many new examples of voas are given. Finally, we introduce a generalized Kac-Casimir operator and give a simple proof of the irreducibility of the prolongation modules over the affine Lie algebras.