Two-parameter quantum algebras, canonical bases, and categorifications

A theory of canonical basis for a two-parameter quantum algebra is developed in parallel with the one in one-parameter case. A geometric construction of the negative part of a two-parameter quantum algebra is given by using mixed perverse sheaves and Deligne's weight theory based on Lusztig's work [28]. A categorification of the negative part of a two-parameter quantum algebra is provided. A two-parameter quantum algebra is shown to be a two-cocycle deformation, depending only on the second parameter, of its one-parameter analog.