Let $k$ be a field and let $R=k[x_1,...,x_n]$ be a polynomial ring over $k$. A subset $\lbrace y_1,...,y_n\rbrace$ of $R$ is called a homogenous system of parameters (hsop) of $R$, if
- the $y_i$ are homogenous polynomials
- $R$ is finitely generated as $k[y_1,...,y_n]$-module
I am looking for criteria, when $\lbrace y_1,...,y_n\rbrace \subseteq R$ is a hsop of $R$.
In the paper (link) the authors say there is a classical criterion given by the resultant and refer to chapter I of a book (link) of Macaulay. Unfortunately I'm not able to figure out what the criterion might be.
Can anyone provide me that criterion or knows alternative criteria ? Any hint is appreciated.
Edit: I want to add that the following turned out to be helpful for working with hsop's over finite fields:
Hailong's criterion: $\lbrace y_1, ..., y_n \rbrace$ is a hsop $\Leftrightarrow$ $0$ is the only common root of $y_1,...,y_n$ in the algebraic closure of $k$
Inspecting the proof of Proposition 11.13 in Atiyah-MacDonald's book on commuative algebra shows that a hsop can be obtained in the following way:
Choose any $y_1 \neq 0$ and if $y_1,...,y_i$ are found, $y_{i+1} \in R$ can be taken to be any polynomial not contained in the minimal primes of $(y_1,...,y_i)$.
For example, I wanted to prove that for a hsop of $\mathbb{F}_p[x_1,...x_n]$ the polynomial functions of the $y_i$ are non-zero. But since $y_1 \neq 0$ can be any polynomial, using Hailong's criterion, it's easy to see that $$y_1 = x^py-xy^p, y_2= x^m + y^m \in \mathbb{F}_p[x,y]\quad m=\frac{p+1}{2}$$ is a counterexample.