Web calculus and tilting modules in type $C_2$

Abstract

Using Kuperberg's $B_2/C_2$ webs, and following Elias and Libedinsky, we describe a "light leaves" algorithm to construct a basis of morphisms between arbitrary tensor products of fundamental representations for $\mathfrak{so}_5\cong \mathfrak{sp}_4$ (and the associated quantum group). Our argument has very little dependence on the base field. As a result, we prove that when $[2]_q\ne 0$, the Karoubi envelope of the $C_2$ web category is equivalent to the category of tilting modules for the divided powers quantum group $\mathcal{U}_q^{\mathbb{Z}}(\mathfrak{sp}_4)$.