Bannai-Ito algebras and the osp(1,2) superalgebra

The Bannai-Ito algebra $B(n)$ of rank $(n-2)$ is defined as the algebra generated by the Casimir operators arising in the $n$-fold tensor product of the $osp(1,2)$ superalgebra. The structure relations are presented and representations in bases determined by maximal Abelian subalgebras are discussed. Comments on realizations as symmetry algebras of physical models are offered.