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Universal K-matrix for quantum symmetric pairs

Let $\mathfrak{g}$ be a symmetrizable Kac-Moody algebra and let $U_q(\mathfrak{g})$ denote the corresponding quantized enveloping algebra. In the present paper we show that quantum symmetric pair coideal subalgebras $B_{c,s}$ of $U_q(\mathfrak{g})$ have a universal K-matrix if $\mathfrak{g}$ is of finite type. By a universal K-matrix for $B_{c,s}$ we mean an element in a completion of $U_q(\mathfrak{g})$ which commutes with $B_{c,s}$ and provides solutions of the reflection equation in all integrable $U_q(\mathfrak{g})$-modules in category $\mathcal{O}$. The construction of the universal K-matrix for $B_{c,s}$ bears significant resemblance to the construction of the universal R-matrix for $U_q(\mathfrak{g})$. Most steps in the construction of the universal K-matrix are performed in the general Kac-Moody setting. In the late nineties T. tom Dieck and R. Häring-Oldenburg developed a program of representations of categories of ribbons in a cylinder. Our results show that quantum symmetric pairs provide a large class of examples for this program.