Generators of simple Lie algebras in arbitrary characteristics

In this paper we study the minimal number of generators for simple Lie algebras in characteristic 0 or p > 3. We show that any such algebra can be generated by 2 elements. We also examine the ‘one and a half generation’ property, i.e. when every non-zero element can be completed to a generating pair. We show that classical simple algebras have this property, and that the only simple Cartan type algebras of type W which have this property are the Zassenhaus algebras. The author was partially supported by the European Community’s Human Potential Programme under contract HPRN-CT-2002-00287 (RTN Network “K-Theory, Algebraic Groups and Related Structures”) and a long-term research grant from the D.A.A.D.