1
$\begingroup$

Let $R$ be an Henselian discrete valuation ring with field of fractions $K$. Let $M$ be a torsion-free $R$-module of finite rank (i.e. $dim_K(M\otimes_RK)<+\infty$). Let $D$ be the maximal divisible $R$-submodule of $M$, then $M$ is said to be reduced if $D=0$. If I am not wrong if $M$ is reduced, of finite rank and torsion free, then $M$ is free when $R$ is complete. Is the same true if $R$ is only Henselian? What if $R$ is any discrete valuation ring?

$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ in fact when $R$ is complete, $M$ must even be finitely generated. $\endgroup$
    – user91132
    Feb 14, 2012 at 8:36
  • $\begingroup$ Sorry, when I say that I want to prove that $M$ is free I mean "free and finitely generated". Is that what you mean? $\endgroup$
    – Federigo
    Feb 14, 2012 at 8:52
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ No. "Free" means a direct sum of (possibly infinitely many) copies of $R$. I meant that if your ring $R$ is complete, then not only is it true that any $M$ satisfying your conditions is free, but in fact it must also be finitely generated and free, i.e. a direct sum of finitely many copies of $R$. Given $M$ is free (this is not totally trivial), that $M$ is finitely generated follows trivially from the assumption that your $M$ has finite rank. Anyway, a-fortiori gave you exactly the counterexample you need below. $\endgroup$
    – user91132
    Feb 14, 2012 at 9:10
  • $\begingroup$ Yes yes...that's what I meant!!! So I understood clearly from the beginning and that's what my question was asking even if not specified, thank you! The book in the library has been taken by someone else ... I have to wait ... $\endgroup$
    – Federigo
    Feb 14, 2012 at 9:44

2 Answers 2

5
$\begingroup$

Theorem 19 in Kaplansky's Infinite Abelian Groups gives an example of a torsion-free, reduced, indecomposable rank 2 module for any incomplete discrete valuation ring.

In short, the construction is as follows: choose $\lambda\in\hat R\setminus R$. This induces a homomorphism $\tilde\lambda\colon K\to\hat R/R$. The short exact sequence $0\to R\to\hat R\to\hat R/R\to 0$ induces an injection $\mathrm{Hom}(K,\hat R/R)\to\mathrm{Ext}^1(K,R)$. The image of $\tilde\lambda$ under this injection corresponds to the desired rank 2 module $M$ sitting in a non-split extension $0\to R\to M\to K\to 0$. Any divisible element would induce a splitting, so $M$ is reduced. Since there is no surjection $R^2\to K$, the module $M$ cannot be free.

$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ Do you mean example of a torsion-free, reduced, indecomposable rank 2 module which is "not free"? Anyway... thank you, I'll check on this book. That's probably the reference I needed. $\endgroup$
    – Federigo
    Feb 14, 2012 at 8:37
  • $\begingroup$ Again, when I say that I want to prove that $M$ is free I mean "free and finitely generated". Sorry, but I think you understood. Ok, let me go to the library... $\endgroup$
    – Federigo
    Feb 14, 2012 at 8:46
  • $\begingroup$ Indeomposable of rank 2...yeah... I understand :-) $\endgroup$
    – Federigo
    Feb 14, 2012 at 10:06
0
$\begingroup$

Let $A$ be a local ring. Let $M$ be a finitely generated flat $A$-module. Then $M$ is free; see Theorem 1.2.16 in http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780198502845.do

That should answer your question.

$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ I am not assuming $M$ to be finitely generated, but only of finite rank. $\endgroup$
    – Federigo
    Feb 14, 2012 at 7:57
  • $\begingroup$ But your module is also torsion-free.. $\endgroup$
    – Harized
    Feb 14, 2012 at 8:25
  • $\begingroup$ I think the proof of Thm 1.2.16 can be altered slightly to make it work in your case. $\endgroup$
    – Harized
    Feb 14, 2012 at 8:27
  • $\begingroup$ When I say that I want to prove that $M$ is free I mean "free and finitely generated". Sorry. $\endgroup$
    – Federigo
    Feb 14, 2012 at 8:45

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.