Matrix Factorizations of the discriminant of $S_n$

Abstract: Consider the symmetric group $S_n$ acting as a reflection group on the polynomial ring $k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$, where $k$ is a field such that Char$(k)$ does not divide $n!$. We use Higher Specht polynomials to construct matrix factorizations of the discriminant of this group action: these matrix factorizations are indexed by partitions of $n$ and respect the decomposition of the coinvariant algebra into isotypical components. The maximal Cohen-Macaulay modules associated to these matrix factorizations give rise to a noncommutative resolution of the discriminant and they correspond to the nontrivial irreducible representations of $S_n$. All our constructions are implemented in Macaulay2 and we provide several examples. We also discuss extensions of these results to Young subgroups of $S_n$.