In this paper we introduce a method to obtain algebraic information using arithmetic one in the study of tori and their principal homogeneous spaces. In particular, using some results of the authors with Tingyu Lee, we determine the unramified Brauer groups of some norm one tori, and their torsors.
We produce a partial compactification of the variety given by P(t)=N_{K/k}(\mathbf z) whose Brauer group coincides with the unramified Brauer group, where K is an étale k-algebra and P(t)\in k[t] is a nonconstant polynomial. Then we obtain a systematic method to compute the unramified Brauer group for all such varieties.
This is a textbook on arithmetic geometry with special regard to unramified Brauer groups of algebraic varieties. The topics include Galois cohomology, Brauer groups, obstructions to stable rationality, arithmetic and geometry of quadrics, Weil restriction of scalars, algebraic tori, an example of a stably rational non-rational variety, Brauer-Manin obstruction. All material is split into locally trivial problems with detailed hints.
Using a reduction of the Galois cohomology of a linear algebraic group $G$ to that of a certain finite subquotient, we give different formulas allowing the calculation of the unramified algebraic Brauer group of a homogeneous space $V=G\backslash G'$ with $G'$ semisimple and simply connected, both over a finite field and over an arbitrary field of characteristic $0$.
Let $X$ be a smooth projective curve over the complex numbers. We compute the Brauer group of the moduli stack of Bruhat-Tits group scheme $\mathcal{G}$-torsors on $X$. When $g(X) \geq 3$ we compute the Brauer group of the regularly stable locus of the coarse moduli space of semi-stable $\mathcal{G}$-torsors.
We give formulas for calculating the unramified Brauer group of a homogeneous space $X$ of a semisimple simply connected group $G$ with finite geometric stabilizer $\bar F$ over a wide family of fields of characteristic 0. When $k$ is a number field, we use these formulas in order to study the Brauer-Manin obstruction to the Hasse principle and weak approximation. We prove in particular that the Brauer-Manin pairing is constant on $X(k_v)$ for every $v$ outside from an explicit finite set of non archimedean places of $k$.
We study the homogeneous irreducible Severi-Brauer varieties over an Abelian variety $A$. Such objects were classified by Brion, \cite{Bri}. Here we interpret that result within the context of cubical structures and biextensions for certain $\G_m$-torsors over finite subgroups of $A$. Our results can be seen as an instance of the theory developed by Breen, \cite{Breen:1983}, and Moret-Bailly, \cite{Moret-Bailly}.
Let D be a finite-dimensional central division algebra over a field K. We define the genus gen(D) of D to be the collection of classes in the Brauer group of K represented by central division K-algebras D' having the same maximal subfields as D. In this paper, we describe a general approach to proving the finiteness of gen(D) and estimating its size that involves the unramified Brauer group with respect to an appropriate set of discrete valuations of K.
We develop different formulas of algebraic and/or arithmetic nature allowing an explicit calculation, both over a finite field and over a field of characteristic 0, of the algebraic part of the unramified Brauer group of a homogeneous space G\G' under a semisiple simply connected linear group G' with finite stabilizer G. We also give examples of the calculations that can be done with these formulas.
We give a new proof of the theorem stating that for any connected linear algebraic group G over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic 0 and for any closed connected subgroup H of G, the unramified Brauer group of G/H vanishes.
We classify all groups of order $p^5$ with non-trivial unramified Brauer groups. We show that if $p>3$, then there are precisely $\gcd (p-1,4)+\gcd (p-1,3)+1$ such groups.
En utilisant un théorème de Gabber sur les altérations, on démontre un résultat décrivant la partie de torsion première à $p$ du groupe de Brauer non ramifié d'une variété $V$ lisse et géométriquement intègre sur un corps global de caractéristique $p$ au moyen de l'évaluation des éléments de $\Br V$ sur ses points locaux. Using a theorem of Gabber on alterations, we prove a result describing the prime-to-$p$ torsion part of the unramified Brauer group of a smooth and geometrically integral variety $V$ over a global field of characteristic $p$ by evaluating the elements of $\Br V$ at its local …
Let $X$ be an irreducible smooth complex projective curve of genus at least two. Let $N$ be a connected component of the moduli space of semistable principal ${\rm PGL}_r({\mathbb C})$- bundles over $X$; it is a normal unirational complex projective variety. We prove that the Brauer group of a desingularization of $N$ is trivial.
We establish a formula for computing the unramified Brauer group of tame conic bundle threefolds in characteristic 2. The formula depends on the arrangement and residue double covers of the discriminant components, the latter being governed by Artin-Schreier theory (instead of Kummer theory in characteristic not 2). We use this to give new examples of threefold conic bundles defined over the integers that are not stably rational over the complex numbers.
Let X --> P^2 be a p-cyclic cover branched over a smooth, connected curve C of degree divisible by p, defined over a separably closed field of prime-to-p characteristic. We show that all (unramified) p-torsion Brauer classes on X that are fixed by Aut(X/P^2) arise as pullbacks of certain Brauer classes on k(P^2) that are unramified away from C and a fixed line L. We completely characterize these Brauer classes on k(P^2) and relate the kernel of the pullback map to the Picard group of X. If p = 2, we give a second construction, which works over any base field of characteristic not 2, that uses …
Let $K/k$ be an extension of number fields, and let $P(t)$ be a quadratic polynomial over $k$. Let $X$ be the affine variety defined by $P(t) = N_{K/k}(\mathbf{z})$. We study the Hasse principle and weak approximation for $X$ in three cases. For $[K:k]=4$ and $P(t)$ irreducible over $k$ and split in $K$, we prove the Hasse principle and weak approximation. For $k=\mathbb{Q}$ with arbitrary $K$, we show that the Brauer-Manin obstruction to the Hasse principle and weak approximation is the only one. For $[K:k]=4$ and $P(t)$ irreducible over $k$, we determine the Brauer group of smooth proper mod…
We derive a formula for the unramified Brauer group of a general class of rationally connected fourfolds birational to conic bundles over smooth threefolds. We produce new examples of conic bundles over P^3 where this formula applies and which have nontrivial unramified Brauer group. The construction uses the theory of contact surfaces and, at least implicitly, matrix factorizations and symmetric arithmetic Cohen--Macaulay sheaves, as well as the geometry of special arrangements of rational curves in P^2. We also prove the existence of universally CH_0-trivial resolutions for the general class…
We study the subgroup B_0(G) of H^2(G,Q/Z) consisting of all elements which have trivial restrictions to every Abelian subgroup of G. The group B_0(G) serves as the simplest nontrivial obstruction to stable rationality of algebraic varieties V/G where V is a faithful complex linear representation of the group G. We prove that B_0(G) is trivial for finite simple groups of Lie type A_{\ell}.
In this paper, we study the Nisnevich sheafification $\mathcal{H}^1_{\acute{e}t}(G)$ of the presheaf associating to a smooth scheme the set of isomorphism classes of $G$-torsors, for a reductive group $G$. We show that if $G$-torsors on affine lines are extended, then $\mathcal{H}^1_{\acute{e}t}(G)$ is homotopy invariant and show that the sheaf is unramified if and only if Nisnevich-local purity holds for $G$-torsors. We also identify the sheaf $\mathcal{H}^1_{\acute{e}t}(G)$ with the sheaf of $\mathbb{A}^1$-connected components of the classifying space ${\rm B}_{\acute{e}t}G$. This establishe…
The Bogomolov multiplier is a group theoretical invariant isomorphic to the unramified Brauer group of a given quotient space. We derive a homological version of the Bogomolov multiplier, prove a Hopf-type formula, find a five term exact sequence corresponding to this invariant, and describe the role of the Bogomolov multiplier in the theory of central extensions. A new description of the Bogomolov multiplier of a nilpotent group of class two is obtained. We define the Bogomolov multiplier within K-theory and show that proving its triviality is equivalent to solving a long-standing problem pos…
Let $k$ be any field, $G$ be a finite group acting on the rational function field $k(x_g : g\in G)$ by $h\cdot x_g=x_{hg}$ for any $h,g\in G$. Define $k(G)=k(x_g : g\in G)^G$. Noether's problem asks whether $k(G)$ is rational (= purely transcendental) over $k$. It is known that, if $\bC(G)$ is rational over $\bC$, then $B_0(G)=0$ where $B_0(G)$ is the unramified Brauer group of $\bC(G)$ over $\bC$. Bogomolov showed that, if $G$ is a $p$-group of order $p^5$, then $B_0(G)=0$. This result was disproved by Moravec for $p=3,5,7$ by computer computing. We will give a theoretic proof of the followin…
We study Grothedieck groups of triangulated categories using weight structures, weight complexes, and the corresponding pure (co)homological functors. We prove some general statements on $K_0$ of weighted categories and apply it to Voevodsky motives endowed with so-called Chow weight structures. We obtain certain "motivic substitutes" for smooth compactifications of smooth varieties over arbitrary perfect fields; this enables us to make certain unramified cohomology and Euler characteristic calculations that are closely related to results of T. Ekedahl and B. Kahn.
For a homogeneous space X of a connected algebraic group G (with connected stabilizers) over a field k of characteristic zero, we construct a canonical complex of Galois modules of length 3 and a canonical isomorphism between an hypercohomology group of this complex and an explicit subgroup of the Brauer group of X. This result is obtained as a consequence of a formula describing the "algebraic Brauer group of a torsor", and it generalizes recent results by Borovoi and van Hamel, by considering non-linear groups G and by taking into account some transcendental elements in the Brauer group of X…
Let k be a field, G a finite group embedded in the k-group SL(n). For k an algebraically closed field, Bogomolov gave a formula for the unramified Brauer group of the quotient SL(n)/G. We develop his method over any characteristic zero field. This purely algebraic method enables us to recover and generalize results of Harari and of Demarche over number fields, such as the triviality of the unramified Brauer group for k=Q and G of odd order. --- Soient k un corps et G un groupe fini plongé dans le k-groupe SL(n).Pour k algébriquement clos, Bogomolov a donné une formule pour le groupe de Brauer …
Let $k$ be any field, $G$ be a finite group acing on the rational function field $k(x_g:g\in G)$ by $h\cdot x_g=x_{hg}$ for any $h,g\in G$. Define $k(G)=k(x_g:g\in G)^G$. Noether's problem asks whether $k(G)$ is rational (= purely transcendental) over $k$. It is known that, if $\bm{C}(G)$ is rational over $\bm{C}$, then $B_0(G)=0$ where $B_0(G)$ is the unramified Brauer group of $\bm{C}(G)$ over $\bm{C}$. Bogomolov showed that, if $G$ is a $p$-group of order $p^5$, then $B_0(G)=0$. This result was disproved by Moravec for $p=3,5,7$ by computer calculations. We will prove the following theorem.…
We relate the Brauer group of a smooth variety over a p-adic field to the geometry of the special fibre of a regular model, using the purity theorem in étale cohomology. As an illustration, we describe how the Brauer group of a smooth del Pezzo surface is determined by the singularity type of its reduction. We then relate the evaluation of an element of the Brauer group to the existence of points on certain torsors over the special fibre; we use this to describe situations when the evaluation is constant, and situations when the evaluation is surjective. In the latter case, we describe how thi…
This is a survey of recent examples of varieties that are not stably rational. We review the specialization method based on properties of the Chow group of zero-cycles used in these examples and explain the point of view of unramified cohomology for the construction of nontrivial stable invariants of the special fiber. In particular, we find an explicit formula for the Brauer group of fourfolds fibered in quadrics of dimension two over a rational surface.
The Grothendieck--Serre conjecture predicts that every generically trivial torsor under a reductive group scheme $G$ over a regular local ring $R$ is trivial. We settle it in the case when $G$ is quasi-split and $R$ is unramified. Some of the techniques that allow us to overcome obstacles that have so far kept the mixed characteristic case out of reach include a version of Noether normalization over discrete valuation rings, as well as a suitable presentation lemma for smooth relative curves in mixed characteristic that facilitates passage to the relative affine line via excision and patching.
We show that certain Tate--Shafarevich groups are unramified which enables us to give an obstruction to the Hasse principle for torsors under tori over p-adic function fields.
Let X be a smooth variety over a number field k embedded as a degree d subvariety of $\mathbb{P}^n$ and suppose that X is a counterexample to the Hasse principle explained by the Brauer-Manin obstruction. We consider the question of whether the obstruction is given by the d-primary subgroup of the Brauer group, which would have both theoretic and algorithmic implications. We prove that this question has a positive answer in the case of torsors under abelian varieties, Kummer surfaces and (conditional on finiteness of Tate-Shafarevich groups) bielliptic surfaces. For Kummer varieties we show th…
Combining work of Peyre, Colliot-Thélène and Voisin, we give the first example of a finite group $G$ such that the motivic class of its classifying stack $BG$ in Ekedahl's Grothendieck ring of stacks over $\mathbb{C}$ is non-trivial and $BG$ has trivial unramified Brauer group.
In 2011, Vàrilly-Alvarado and the last author constructed an Enriques surface $X$ over $\mathbb{Q}$ with an étale-Brauer obstruction to the Hasse principle and no algebraic Brauer-Manin obstruction. In this paper, we show that the nontrivial Brauer class of $X_{\bar{\mathbb{Q}}}$ does not descend to $\mathbb{Q}$. Together with the results of Vàrilly-Alvarado and the last author, this proves that the Brauer-Manin obstruction is insufficient to explain all failures of the Hasse principle on Enriques surfaces. The methods of this paper build on the ideas in several recent papers by the last autho…
We construct unramified central simple algebras representing 2-torsion classes in the Brauer group of a hyperelliptic curve, and show that every 2-torsion class can be constructed this way when the curve has a rational Weierstrass point or when the base field is C_1. In general, we show that a large (but in general proper) subgroup of the 2-torsion classes are given by the construction. Examples demonstrating applications to the arithmetic of hyperelliptic curves defined over number fields are given.
We prove that every Brauer class over a field splits over a torsor under an abelian variety. If the index of the class is not congruent to 2 modulo 4, we show that the Albanese variety of any smooth curve of positive genus that splits the class also splits the class, and there exist many such curves splitting the class. We show that this can be false when the index is congruent to 2 modulo 4, but adding a single genus 1 factor to the Albanese suffices to split the class.
Let k be a field, G a smooth connected linear algebraic group and X a homogeneous space of G over k, such that the geometric stabilizers are extensions of a smooth group of multiplicative type by a smooth connected characterfree group. If k has characteristic zero and if X^c is a smooth compactification of X over k, we obtain a formula for the algebraic Brauer group of X^c. Several variants are obtained in positive characteristic p, including the finite field case and the global field case, where the formulae describe the prime-to-p part of the algebraic unramified Brauer group of X, without a…
A torsor under a k-group scheme G on a variety X over a number field k imposes a descent obstruction against the existence of rational points on X. We discuss the finite descent obstruction, that is for all such torsors under finite k-groups G, in view of a local-global interpolation property for sections of the fundamental group short exact sequence of X/k. There are applications to the Brauer-Manin obstruction, to the descent obstruction by torsors under linear groups, and to the birational version of Grothendieck's section conjecture over number fields. In particular, we obtain examples of …
In this article, we study obstructions to weak approximation for connected linear groups and homogeneous spaces with connected or abelian stabilizers over finite extensions of $\mathbb C((x,y))$ or function fields of curves over $\mathbb C((t))$. We show that for connected linear groups, the usual Brauer-Manin obstruction works as in the case of tori. However, this Brauer-Manin obstruction is not enough for homogeneous spaces, as shown by the examples we give. We then construct an obstruction using torsors under quasi-trivial tori that explains the failure of weak-approximation.
In this article, we study the obstructions to the local-global principle for homogeneous spaces with connected or abelian stabilizers over finite extensions of the field $\mathbb{C}((x,y))$ of Laurent series in two variables over the complex numbers and over function fields of curves over $\mathbb{C}((t))$. We give examples that prove that the usual Brauer-Manin obstruction is not enough to explain the failure of the local-global principle, and we then construct a variant of this obstruction using torsors under quasi-trivial tori which turns out to work. In the end of the article, we compare t…
Auel-Bigazzi-Böhning-Graf von Bothmer proved that if a proper smooth variety $X$ over a field $k$ of characteristic $p>0$ has universally trivial Chow group of $0$-cycles, the cohomological Brauer group of $X$ is universally trivial as well. In this paper, we generalize their argument to arbitrary unramified mod $p$ étale motivic cohomology groups. We also see that the properness assumption on the variety $X$ can be dropped off by using the Suslin homology together with a certain tame subgroup of the unramified cohomology group.
We show that transcendental elements of the Brauer group of an algebraic surface can obstruct the Hasse principle. We construct a general K3 surface X of degree 2 over Q, together with a two-torsion Brauer class A that is unramified at every finite prime, but ramifies at real points of X. Motivated by Hodge theory, the pair (X,A) is constructed from a double cover of P^2 x P^2 ramified over a hypersurface of bi-degree (2,2).
We show that, in general, over a regular integral noetherian affine scheme X of dimension at least 6, there exist Brauer classes on X for which the associated division algebras over the generic point have no Azumaya maximal orders over X. Despite the algebraic nature of the result, our proof relies on the topology of classifying spaces of algebraic groups.