Martin Lorenz, Zinovy Reichstein, Louis H. Rowen, David J. Saltman
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24 pages, AMS-LaTeX with xypic. This is the final version of the article, to appear in J. London Math. Soc. More details have been added and several mistakes have been corrected. In particular, the old Theorem 9.1 and Corollary 10.1 have been removed
Let $A$ be a finite-dimensional division algebra containing a base field $k$ in its center $F$. We say that $A$ is defined over a subfield $F_0$ of $F$ if $A = A_0\otimes_{F_0} F$ for some $F_0$-subalgebra $A_0$ of $A$. We show that: (1) In many cases $A$ can be defined over a rational extension of $k$. (2) If $A$ has odd degree $n \ge 5$, then $A$ is defined over a field $F_0$ of transcendence degree at most $(n-1)(n-2)/2$ over $k$. (3) If $A$ is a $Z/m \times Z/2$-crossed product for some $m \ge 2$ (and in particular, if $A$ is any algebra of degree 4) then $A$ is Brauer equivalent to a tensor product of two symbol algebras. Consequently, $M_m(A)$ can be defined over a field $F_0$ of transcendence degree at most 4 over $k$. (4) If $A$ has degree 4 then the trace form of $A$ can be defined over a field $F_0$ of transcendence degree at most 4. (In (1), (3), and (4) we assume that the center of $A$ contains certain roots of unity.)
Let $D$ be a division algebra such that $D\t D^o$ is a Noetherian algebra, then any division subalgebra of $D$ is a {\em finitely generated} division algebra. Let $\D $ be a finite set of commuting derivations or automorphisms of the division algebra $D$, then the group $\Ev (\D)$ of common eigenvalues (i.e. {\em weights}) is a {\em finitely generated abelian} group. Typical examples of $D$ are the quotient division algebra ${\rm Frac} (\CD (X))$ of the ring of differential operators $\CD (X)$ on a smooth irreducible affine variety $X$ over a field $K$ of characteristic zero, and the quotient …
We generalize Albert's twisted field construction, applying it to unital division algebras with a multiplicative norm. We give conditions for the resulting algebras to be division algebras.Four- and eight-dimensional real unital and non-unital division algebras with large derivation algebras are constructed out of Hamilton's quaternion and Cayley's octonion algebra.
A classification of all four-dimensional power-commutative real division algebras is given. It is shown that every four-dimensional power-commutative real division algebra is an isotope of a particular kind of a quadratic division algebra. The description of such isotopes in dimension four and eight is reduced to the description of quadratic division algebras. In dimension four this leads to a complete and irredundant classification. As a special case, the finite-dimensional power-commutative real division algebras that have a unique non-zero idempotent are characterised.
A celebrated theorem of Hopf, Bott, Milnor, and Kervaire states that every finite-dimensional real division algebra has dimension 1, 2, 4, or 8. While the real division algebras of dimension 1 or 2 and the real quadratic division algebras of dimension 4 have been classified, the problem of classifying all 8-dimensional real quadratic division algebras is still open. We contribute to a solution of that problem by proving that every 8-dimensional real quadratic division algebra has degree 1, 3, or 5. This statement is sharp.
The genus gen(D) of a finite-dimensional central division algebra D over a field F is defined as the collection of classes [D'] in the Brauer group Br(F), where D' is a central division F-algebra having the same maximal subfields as D. For any prime p, we construct a division algebra of degree p with infinite genus. Moreover, we show that there exists a field K such that there are infinitely many nonisomorphic central division K-algebras of degree p, and any two such algebras have the same genus.
Some general criteria to produce explicit free algebras inside the division ring of fractions of skew polynomial rings are presented. These criteria are applied to some special cases of division rings with natural involutions, yielding, for instance, free subalgebras generated by symmetric elements both in the division ring of fractions of the group algebra of a torsion free nilpotent group and in the division ring of fractions of the first Weyl algebra.
We show that a finite-dimensional tame division algebra D over a Henselian field F has a maximal subfield Galois over F if and only if its residue division algebra has a maximal subfield Galois over the residue field of F. This generalizes the mechanism behind several known noncrossed product constructions to a crossed product criterion for all tame division algebras, and in particular for all division algebras if the residue characteristic is 0. If the residue field is a global field, the criterion leads to a description of the location of noncrossed products among tame division algebras, and…
This paper is concerned with the problem of determining the number of division algebras which share the same collection of finite splitting fields. As a corollary we are able to determine when two central division algebras may be distinguished by their finite splitting fields over certain fields.
The present article is concerned with division algebras that are structurally close to alternative algebras, in the sense that they satisfy some identity or other algebraic property that holds for all alternative division algebras. Motivated by Belousov's ideas on quasigroups, we explore a new approach to the classification of division algebras. By a detailed study of the representations of the Lie group of autotopies of real division algebras we show that, if the group of autotopies has a sufficiently rich structure then the algebra is isotopic to an alternative division algebra. On the other…
The reduced Whitehead group $\SK$ of a graded division algebra graded by a torsion-free abelian group is studied. It is observed that the computations here are much more straightforward than in the non-graded setting. Bridges to the ungraded case are then established by the following two theorems: It is proved that $\SK$ of a tame valued division algebra over a henselian field coincides with $\SK$ of its associated graded division algebra. Furthermore, it is shown that $\SK$ of a graded division algebra is isomorphic to $\SK$ of its quotient division algebra. The first theorem gives the establ…
We generalize Knuth's construction of Case I semifields quadratic over a weak nucleus, also known as generalized Dickson semifields, by doubling of central simple algebras. We thus obtain division algebras of dimension $2s^2$ by doubling central division algebras of degree $s$. Results on isomorphisms and automorphisms of these algebras are obtained in certain cases.
Let $D$ be a division algebra, finite-dimensional over its center, and $R=D[t;σ,δ]$ a skew polynomial ring. Using skew polynomials $f\in R$, we construct division algebras and a generalization of maximum rank distance codes consisting of matrices with entries in a noncommutative division algebra or field. These include a class of codes constructed by Sheekey (in particular, generalized Gabidulin codes), as well as Jha Johnson semifields.
We give a full classification, up to equivalence, of finite-dimensional graded division algebras over the field of real numbers. The grading group is any abelian group.
We classify, up to equivalence, all finite-dimensional simple graded division algebras over the field of real numbers. The grading group is any finite abelian group.
Let $D$ be a division ring with center $F$ and $K$ a division subring of $D$. In this paper, we show that a non-central normal subgroup $N$ of the multiplicative group $D^*$ is left algebraic over $K$ if and only if so is $D$ provided $F$ is uncountable and contained in $K$. Also, if $K$ is a field and the $n$-th derived subgroup $D^{(n)}$ of $D^{*}$ is left algebraic of bounded degree $d$ over $K$, then $\dim_FD\le d^2$.
Let $K$ be a complete discretely valued field of rank one, with residue field $\Q_p$. It is well known that period equals index in $\Br(K)$. We prove that when $p=2$ there exist noncyclic $K$-division algebras of every $2$-power degree divisible by four. Otherwise, every $K$-division algebra is cyclic.
A complete classifications of two-dimensional general, commutative, commutative Jordan, division and evolution real algebras are given. In the case of evolution algebras their groups of automorphisms and derivation algebras are described as well.
We show in this article that in many cases the subfields of a nondegenerate tame semiramified division algebra of prime power degree over a Henselian valued field are inertial field extensions of the center.
A celebrated theorem of P.M.Cohn says that for any two division rings (not necessarily finite dimensional) over a field F, their amalgamated product over F is a domain which can be embedded in a division ring. Note that even with the two initial division rings begin finite dimensional over their centers, the resulting division ring is never finite dimensional over its center. Perhaps this led Lance Small to ask the following question. Assume $F_1$ and $F_2$ are fields with the same characteristic. Small asked whether any two division algebras $D_1/F_1$ and $D_2/F_2$ can be embedded in some thi…
This paper shows that $p$ primary components of certain generic crossed products are not crossed products. This applies in particular to primary components of prime degree, thus producing examples of division algebras of prime degree that are not cyclic.
Dickson's commutative semifields are an important class of finite division algebras. We generalise Dickson's construction of commutative division algebras by doubling both finite field extensions and central simple algebras and not restricting us to the classical setup where a cyclic field extension is taken. The latter case yields algebras which are no longer commutative nor associative. Conditions for when the algebras are division algebras are given that canonically generalise the classical ones known up to now. We investigate when we obtain non-isomorphic algebras and compute all the autom…
We study the existence of free subalgebras in division algebras, and prove the following general result: if $A$ is a noetherian domain which is countably generated over an uncountable algebraically closed field $k$ of characteristic 0, then either the quotient division algebra of $A$ contains a free algebra on two generators, or it is left algebraic over every maximal subfield. As an application, we prove that if $k$ is an uncountable algebraically closed field and $A$ is a finitely generated $k$-algebra that is a domain of GK-dimension strictly less than 3, then either $A$ satisfies a polynom…
We first give a sufficient condition for a Mal'cev-Neumann ring of formal series to be a noncrossed product division algebra. This result is then used to give an elementary proof of the existence of noncrossed product division algebras (of degree 8 or degree p^2 for p any odd prime).
Quadratic Jordan algebras are defined by identities that have to hold strictly, i.e that continue to hold in every scalar extension. In this paper we show that strictness is not required for quadratic Jordan division algebras.
We classify, up to isomorphism and up to equivalence, division gradings (by abelian groups) on finite-dimensional simple real algebras. Gradings on finite-dimensional simple algebras are determined by division gradings, so our results give the classification, up to isomorphism, of (not necessarily division) gradings on such algebras. Linear algebra over the field of two elements plays an interesting role in the proofs.
In [2], an exhaustive construction is achieved for the class of all 4-dimensional unital division algebras over finite fields of odd order, whose left nucleus is not minimal and whose automorphism group contains Klein's four-group. We generalize the approach of [2] towards all division algebras of the above specified type, but now admitting arbitrary fields k of characteristic not 2 as ground fields. For these division algebras we present an exhaustive construction that depends on a quadratic field extension of k and three parameters in k, and we derive an isomorphism criterion in terms of the…
In this paper, we present an isomorphism between the ring of general polynomials over a division ring of degree $p$ over its center $F$ and the group ring of the free monoid with $p^2$ variables. Using this isomorphism, we define the characteristic polynomial of a matrix over any division algebra, i.e. a general polynomial with one variable over the algebra whose roots are precisely the left eigenvalues. Plus, we show how the left eigenvalues of a $4 \times 4$ matrices over any division algebra can be found by solving a general polynomial equation of degree 6 over that algebra.
A graded-division algebra is an algebra graded by a group such that all nonzero homogeneous elements are invertible. This includes division algebras equipped with an arbitrary group grading (including the trivial grading). We show that a classification of finite-dimensional graded-central graded-division algebras over an arbitrary field $\mathbb{F}$ can be reduced to the following three classifications, for each finite Galois extension $\mathbb{L}$ of $\mathbb{F}$: (1) finite-dimensional central division algebras over $\mathbb{L}$, up to isomorphism; (2) twisted group algebras of finite groups…
In this work we are interested in the general problem of the determination of the normed division algebras. Our fundamental results are obtained in the particular subclass of those 8-dimensional quadratic flexible real division algebras. We give a new process which generalizes that of Cayley-Dickson and which allows the obtaining of a new family of eight-dimensional quadratic flexible real division algebras. We give examples of 8-dimensional quadratic flexible real division algebras which cannot be obtained by this first process of duplication and by means of a second process, which consists i…
New families of eight-dimensional real division algebras with large derivation algebra are presented: We generalize the classical Cayley-Dickson doubling process starting with a unital algebra with involution over a field F by allowing the scalar in the doubling to be an invertible element in the algebra. The resulting unital algebras are neither power-associative nor quadratic. Starting with a quaternion division algebra D, we obtain division algebras A for all invertible scalars chosen in D outside of F. This is independent on where the scalar is placed inside the product and three pairwise …
The genus $gen(D)$ of a finite-dimensional central division algebra $D$ over a field $F$ is defined as the collection of classes $[D']\in Br(F)$, where $D'$ is a central division $F$-algebra having the same maximal subfields as $D$. We show that the fact that quaternion division algebras $D$ and $D'$ have the same maximal subfields does not imply that the matrix algebras $M_l(D)$ and $M_l(D')$ have the same maximal subfields for $l>1$. Moreover, for any odd $n>1$, we construct a field $L$ such that there are two quaternion division $L$-algebras $D$ and $D'$ and a central division $L$-algebra $…
The question of existence of a maximal subgroup in the multiplicative group D* of a division algebra D finite dimensional over its center F is investigated. We prove that if D* has no maximal subgroup, then deg(D) is not a power of 2, F^{*2} is divisible, and for each odd prime p dividing deg(D), there exist noncyclic division algebras of degree p over F.
Let $A$ be a finite dimensional real algebra with a division grading by a finite abelian group $G$. In this paper we provide finite basis for the $T_G$-ideal of graded identities and for the $T_G$-space of graded central polynomials for $A$.
For any real division algebra A of finite dimension greater than one, the signs of the determinants of left multiplication and right multiplication by a non-zero element are shown to form an invariant of A, called its double sign. The double sign causes the category of all real division algebras of a fixed dimension n>1 to decompose into four blocks. The structures of these blocks are closely related, and their relationship is made precise for a sample of full subcategories of the category of all finite-dimensional real division algebras.
Let $D$ be a division algebra over a field $F$. In this paper, we prove that there exist $a,b,x,y\in D^*$ such that $F(ab-ba)$ and $F(xyx^{-1}y^{-1})$ are maximal subfields of $D$, which answers questions posted in [5].
A finite group G is called admissible over a given field if there exists a central division algebra that contains a G-Galois field extension as a maximal subfield. We give a definition of embedding problems of division algebras that extends both the notion of embedding problems of fields as in classical Galois theory, and the question which finite groups are admissible over a field. In a recent work by Harbater, Hartmann and Krashen, all admissible groups over function fields of curves over complete discretely valued fields with algebraically closed residue field of characteristic zero have be…
Frobenius' Theorem states that the algebra of quaternions $\mathbb H$ is, besides the fields of real and complex numbers, the only finite-dimensional real division algebra. We first give a short elementary proof of this theorem, then characterize finite-dimensional real algebras that contain either a copy of $\mathbb C$, a copy of $\mathbb H$, or a pair of anticommuting invertible elements through the dimensions of their (left) ideals, and finally consider the problem of lifting algebraic elements modulo ideals.
Let $R$ be an algebra over a commutative ring $k$. Suppose that $R$ is endowed with a descending filtration indexed on an ordered group $(G,<)$ such that the restriction to $k$ is positive. We show that the existence of free algebras on a certain set of generators in the induced graded ring $grad(R)$ implies the existence of free group algebras in $R$. Our best results are obtained for division rings endowed with a valuation.
Let A and B be finite dimensional simple real algebras with division gradings by an abelian group G. In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the coincidence of the graded identities of A and B. We also prove that every finite dimensional simple real algebra with a G-grading satisfies the same graded identities as a matrix algebra over an algebra D with a division grading that is either a regular grading or a non-regular Pauli grading. Moreover we determine when the graded identities of two such algebras coincide. For graded simple algebras over an algebraically closed fie…
We classify, up to isomorphism and up to equivalence, involutions on graded-division finite-dimensional simple real (associative) algebras, when the grading group is abelian.
Let $A$ be a finitely generated $K$-algebra that is a domain of GK dimension less than 3, and let $Q(A)$ denote the quotient division algebra of $A$. We show that if $D$ is a division subalgebra of $Q(A)$ of GK dimension at least 2 then $Q(A)$ is finite dimensional as a left $D$-vector space. We use this to show that if $A$ is a finitely generated domain of GK dimension less than 3 over an algebraically closed field $K$ then any division subalgebra $D$ of $Q(A)$ is either a finitely generated field extension of $K$ of transcendence degree at most one, or $Q(A)$ is finite dimensional as a left …
We study the behavior of square-central elements and Artin-Schreier elements in division algebras of exponent 2 and degree a power of 2. We provide chain lemmas for such elements in division algebras over 2-fields $F$ of cohomological $2$-dimension $\operatorname{cd}_2(F) \leq 2$, and deduce a common slot lemma for tensor products of quaternion algebras over such fields. We also extend to characteristic 2 a theorem proven by Merkurjev for characteristic not 2 on the decomposition of any central simple algebra of exponent 2 and degree a power of 2 over a field $F$ with $\operatorname{cd}_2(F) \…
Let $k$ be a field containing an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. If $G$ is a finite group and $D$ is a division algebra over $k$, finite dimensional over its center, we can associate to a faithful $G$-grading on $D$ a normal abelian subgroup $H$, a positive integer $d$ and an element of $Hom(M(H), k^\times)^G$, where $M(H)$ is the Schur multiplier of $H$. Our main theorem is the converse: Given an extension $1\rightarrow H\rightarrow G\rightarrow G/H\rightarrow 1$, where $H$ is abelian, a positive integer $d$, and an element of $Hom(M(H), k^\times)^G$, there is a division al…
Let D be a valued division algebra, finite-dimensional over its center F. Assume D has an unramified splitting field. The paper shows that if D contains a maximal subfield which is Galois over F (i.e. D is a crossed product) then the residue division algebra of D contains a maximal subfield which is Galois over the residue field of F. This theorem captures an essential argument of previously known noncrossed product proofs in the more general language of noncommutative valuations. The result is particularly useful in connection with explicit constructions.
We show that the canonical involution on a nonabelian poly-orderable group G extends to the Hughes-free division ring of fractions D of the group algebra k[G] of G over a field k and that, with respect to this involution, D contains a pair of symmetric elements freely generating a free group subalgebra of D over k.
Let T be a complete discrete valuation ring and $\hat{X}$ a smooth projective curve over $S=\spec(T)$ with closed fibre $X$. Denote by $F$ the function field of $\hat{X}$ and by $\hat{F}$ the completion of $F$ with respect to the discrete valuation defined by $X$, the closed fibre. In this paper, we construct indecomposable and noncrossed product division algebras over $F$. This is done by defining an index preserving group homomorphism $s:\br(\hat{F})'\to\br(F)'$, and using it to lift indecomposable and noncrossed product division algebras over $\hat{F}$.
Graded-division algebras are building blocks in the theory of finite-dimensional associative algebras graded by a group G. If G is abelian, they can be described, using a loop construction, in terms of central simple graded-division algebras. On the other hand, given a finite abelian group G, any central simple G-graded-division algebra over a field F is determined, thanks to a result of Picco and Platzeck, by its class in the (ordinary) Brauer group of F and the isomorphism class of a G-Galois extension of F. This connection is used to classify the simple G-Galois extensions of F in terms of …
We apply the filtered and graded methods developed in earlier works to find (noncommutative) free group algebras in division rings. If $L$ is a Lie algebra, we denote by $U(L)$ its universal enveloping algebra. P. M. Cohn constructed a division ring $\mathfrak{D}_L$ that contains $U(L)$. We denote by $\mathfrak{D}(L)$ the division subring of $\mathfrak{D}_L$ generated by $U(L)$. Let $k$ be a field of characteristic zero and $L$ be a nonabelian Lie $k$-algebra. If either $L$ is residually nilpotent or $U(L)$ is an Ore domain, we show that $\mathfrak{D}(L)$ contains (noncommutative) free group a…
We define a transcendence degree for division algebras, by modifying the lower transcendence degree construction of Zhang. We show that this invariant has many of the desirable properties one would expect a noncommutative analogue of the ordinary transcendence degree for fields to have. Using this invariant, we prove the following conjecture of Small. Let $k$ be a field, let $A$ be a finitely generated $k$-algebra that is an Ore domain, and let $D$ denote the quotient division algebra of $A$. If $A$ does not satisfy a polynomial identity then the Gelfand-Kirillov dimension of $K$ is at most th…
Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero, let $X$ and $Y$ be smooth irreducible algebraic curves over $k$, and let $D(X)$ and $D(Y)$ denote respectively the quotient division rings of the ring of differential operators of $X$ and $Y$. We show that if there is a $k$-algebra embedding of $D(X)$ into $D(Y)$ then the genus of $X$ must be less than or equal to the genus of $Y$, answering a question of the first-named author and Smoktunowicz.
{\small \ We generalize the concepts of \thinspace level \thinspace and \thinspace sublevel of a composition algebra to division algebras obtained by the Cayley-Dickson process. In 1967, R. B. Brown constructed, for every}$t\in \mathbb{N},${\small \ a nonassociative division algebra}$A_{t}${\small \ of dimension}$2^{t}${\small \ over the power-series field}$K\{X_{1},X_{2},...,X_{t}\}.\,${\small \ This gives us the possibility to construct a division algebra of \thinspace dimension}$% {\small \,2}^{t}\,${\small and prescribed \thinspace level and sublevel}$% {\small \,\,2}^{k}${\small ,\thinspa…
In this paper we provide some applications of the norm form in some quaternion division algebras over rational field and we give some properties of Fibonacci sequence and Fibonacci sequence in connection with quaternion elements. We define a monoid structure over a fnite set on which we will prove that the defined Fibonacci sequence is stationary, we provide some properties of the norm of a rational quaternion algebra, in connection to the famous Lagrange's four-square theorem and its generalizations given by Ramanujan. Moreover, we prove some results regarding the arithmetic of integer quater…
We study algebras $A,$ over a field of characteristic zero, satisfying $(x^p, x^q, x^r)=0$ for $p, q, r$ in ${1, 2}.$ The existence of a unit element in such algebras leads to the third power-associativity. If, in addition, $A$ has degree $\leq 4$ then $A$ is power-commutative. We deduce that any 4-dimensional real division algebra, with unit element, satisfying $(x^p, x^q, x^r)=0$ is quadratic. This persists for $(x, x^q, x^r)=0$ if we replace the word "unit" by "left-unit".
