All Questions
2,543 questions
11
votes
1
answer
2k
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Realizations and pinnings (épinglages) of reductive groups
Let $G$ be a reductive group over an (say, algebraically closed) field $k$. Springer (in his book on algebraic groups) calls for a chosen maximal torus $T$ in $G$ a family $(u_\alpha) _{\alpha \in \...
11
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Explicit large finite fields in characteristic $2$
Every finite field of characteristic $2$ ist given by $\mathbb{F}_2[x]/P(x)$ for some irreducible polynomial $P\in \mathbb{F}_2[x]$.
For small degree, a simple algorithm gives a way to find $P$. Is ...
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Are automorphism groups of hypersurfaces reduced ?
In the following article : "H. Matsumura, P. Monsky, On the automorphisms of hypersurfaces, J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 3 (1964) 347-361", it is shown that in finite characteristic, automorphism groups of ...
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
On unramified p-adic groups
Let G be a reductive group over a local field F. Let O be the ring of integers of F.
The following are equivalent (and groups satisfying these conditions are called unramified):
(a) G is quasisplit ...
11
votes
1
answer
928
views
Non-algebraic K3 surfaces in characteristic $p$
I have a very naive question.
Recall that over the field of complex numbers, there exist non-algebraic K3 surfaces. Namely, smooth non-projective simply connected compact complex surfaces with ...
11
votes
3
answers
554
views
Uniform setting for computing orders of algebraic groups over finite quotients of the integers?
A couple of recent questions on MO have involved the characters or the orders of specific finite groups of the form $G(\mathbb{Z}/n\mathbb{Z})$ for a familiar algebraic group $G$ defined over $\mathbb{...
11
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Cotangent complex of perfect algebra over a perfect field
Let $A$ be a perfect $\kappa$-algebra over a perfect field $\kappa$ of positive characteristic $p$. Then the algebraic (= classical) cotangent complex $L_{A/\kappa}^{\operatorname{alg}}$ is known to ...
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Groups of matrices that preserve several quadratic forms
Given two (or more) quadratic forms (on the same vector space) consider the group of matrices that preserve these forms, i.e. $Q_i=U Q_i U^T$, $i=1,2..,k$ What is known about such groups? (at least ...
11
votes
1
answer
580
views
Do people prefer working on $\mathrm{GSp}$ and $\mathrm{GU}$ rather than $\mathrm{Sp}$ and $\mathrm{U}$, and why?
I am a new learner of Iwasawa theory and currently reading the famous paper by Skinner-Urban in 2014, and the following-up works by many other people. When reading these papers, I found that some ...
11
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Pointless groups
This question now has two sequels, Pointless groups II (to which @R.vanDobbendeBruyn gave a counterexample for an infinite, imperfect field) and Pointless groups III, both using revised wording ...
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Quasi-split tori and algebraic groups
Let $k$ be a perfect field.
Recall that an algebraic torus $T$ over $k$ is called quasi-split if there exists some finite étale $k$-algebra $A$ such that
$$T \cong \mathrm{R}_{A/k} \mathbb{G}_m.$$
A ...
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
The anticanonical bundle on a flag variety is ample
Hello,
I would like to get references or answers, for the following. How do I show that the anti-canonical line bundle (i.e. dual to top wedge power of cotangent bundle) on a flag variety (of a ...
11
votes
2
answers
959
views
Spherical building of an exceptional group of Lie type
I've read that one of Tits' original motivations for studying buildings was that he wanted to give a unified description of algebraic groups that would allow the definition of exceptional groups such ...
11
votes
1
answer
828
views
automorphisms of fat points
Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field. I am looking for an
easily quotable description of automorphism groups of $\mathrm{Spec} k[x]/(x^n)$. I could compute explicit matrix representations for ...
11
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Finite subgroups of $PGL(3,K)$
It is well-known that finite subgroups of $PGL_2(\mathbb{C})$ are cyclic groups, dihedral groups, A4, S4 and A5 and each of these groups occurs exactly once (up to conjugacy). These facts are ...
11
votes
2
answers
684
views
Differential/difference algebraic groups as "group schemes"
While the common approach to algebraic groups is via representable functors, it seems that there is no such for differential algebraic groups (defined by differential polynomials). Neither the book by ...
11
votes
1
answer
571
views
Diagram folding of simple Lie algebras
A non-simply laced simple root system can be constructed from the simply-laced root system by folding the Dynkin diagram and hence the corresponding non-simply-laced Lie algebra can be constructed by ...
11
votes
2
answers
918
views
On a proposition in Hartshorne's paper "Ample vector bundles on curves"
In Prop. 4.1, p. 87 of the article "Ample vector bundles on curves" (Nagoya Math. J. 43 [1971], 73--89), R. Hartshorne states the following:
Let $A$ be an abelian variety [over an alg. closed field $...
11
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Representations of $\mathrm{SL}(2)$ in characteristic 2
$\DeclareMathOperator\SL{SL}$In characteristic zero one can use the Clebsch-Gordan rule to decompose tensor products of $\SL(2)$-modules. In characteristic $p$, things are more complicated.
I am ...
11
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Regular elements in the torus of a group of Lie type
Let $G$ be a simple linear algebraic group, and $F$ a Frobenius map, i.e. some power of $F$ is the standard Frobenius map which raises matrix entries to the $q$-th power. Then $G^F$ is a group of Lie ...
11
votes
1
answer
328
views
Galois cohomology class of a reductive group not coming from a torus
Let $G$ be a (connected) reductive group over a perfect field $k$, and let $\xi\in H^1(k,G)$ be a cohomology class.
By a theorem of Steinberg (Serre, Galois cohomology, Appendix 1 to Chapter III, ...
11
votes
1
answer
381
views
Chromatic representation theory of the symmetric groups?
We know that in characteristic 0, the group ring of the symmetric group $\Sigma_n$ splits via one idempotent for each partition of $n$.
In characteristic $p$, I believe the analogous statement is that ...
11
votes
1
answer
329
views
Strong approximation for principal ideal domains
A well known consequence of the strong approximation theorem for semisimple simply connected algebraic groups over a number field is that certain reduction maps are surjective, for example, the ...
11
votes
1
answer
675
views
Extended Deformation Theory (dg-Lie algebra principle in positive characteristic?)
Recently, I looked at articles that make use of Deligne's idea that "in characteristic 0 every deformation problem is governed by a differential graded
Lie algebra" as explained first in Goldman-...
11
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Counting conjugacy classes in simple groups of Lie type
Finite groups of Lie type include those obtained as rational points of a connected simple algebrraic group over a finite field $k = \mathbb{F}_q$ of characteristic $p$: these are split or quasi-split. ...
11
votes
2
answers
602
views
tannakian description of vector bundles
Let $S$ be a scheme and $E$ be a rank $n$ vector bundle on $S$. $E$ corresponds to a $GL_n$ torsor $P$ via the definition
$$
P = Isom_S(E,\mathbf{A}_S^n)
$$
Tannakian theory tells us that $P$ ...
11
votes
1
answer
334
views
An identity in Lie algebras over fields of positive characteristic
Let $L$ be a Lie algebra over a field of characteristic $p>0$ and $D$ a derivation of $L$. For every $x\in L$ denote by $\mathrm{ad} x$ the adjoint map $\mathrm{ad}x: L \rightarrow L, a\mapsto [x,...
11
votes
1
answer
536
views
Invariant ring of $S_5$
The irreducible representations of the Symmetric group $S_5$ are classified by the partitions of $5$. For the standard representation which corresponds to the partition (4,1) the ring of invariants is ...
11
votes
2
answers
973
views
Rational orthogonal matrices
``everybody knows'' that an integral orthogonal matrix is a signed permutation matrix, so there are exactly $2^n n!$ such matrices in $O(n).$ Now, what if we ask for the enumeration of elements of $O(...
11
votes
2
answers
863
views
Valuations and separable extensions
Let $R$ be a valuation ring containing a field $k$, with residue field $F$ and quotient field $K$. Assume $F/k$ is separable. Is $K/k$ separable?
I have convinced myself that (for a positive answer) ...
11
votes
1
answer
485
views
The Mordell and Bogomolov problems in linear groups
Many things in the arithmetic of abelian varieties have counterparts not only in linear tori, but also for semisimple linear groups. Two examples are the Tamagawa number and the conjectured finiteness ...
11
votes
1
answer
565
views
What can the theory of automorphic forms for $SL(n,\mathbb{Z})$ say about $SL(n,\mathbb{Z})$?
While reading "Automorphic Forms and L-functions for the Group $GL(n,R)$" by D. Goldfeld, I've got a feeling that linear groups over $\mathbb{R}$ and $\mathbb{Z}$ are considered only as technical ...
11
votes
1
answer
615
views
Do Richardson varieties have rational singularities in arbitrary characteristic?
The title basically asks the question. I'll review the relevant terminology and explain what I have and haven't found in the literature.
Let $G$ be a reductive group. Let $v \leq w$ be elements of ...
11
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Highest weights of the restriction of an irreducible representation of a simple group to a Levi subgroup
Let $G$ be a simple Lie group over ${\mathbb C}$, $P \subset G$ a parabolic subgroup, and $L \subset P$ its Levi subgroup. Let $\lambda$ be a $G$-dominant weight and $V_G^\lambda$ an irreducible ...
11
votes
1
answer
398
views
Finiteness of $H_1 \backslash G / H_2$ and the geometry of the orbits
Let $G$ be a connected reductive group over an algebraically closed field $k$. By the Bruhat decomposition, $P \backslash G/P \cong W_P \backslash W / W_P$ is a finite set for any parabolic subgroup $...
11
votes
1
answer
434
views
Upper bounds for lattice points in orbits, and representations of binary quadratic forms
Write $\mathbb{Z}^{a\times b}$ for the $a\times b$ integer matrices. Let $n\geq 3$ and $Q\in\mathbb{Z}^{n\times n}$. Let $G=O(Q)$ be the orthogonal group of $Q$. For $X_0\in \mathbb{Z}^{2\times n}$, ...
11
votes
1
answer
224
views
Can elements in the orthogonal group of a non-split Azumaya algebra with an orthogonal involution have reduced norm -1?
Let $R$ be a connected (commutative) ring with $2\in R^\times$.
Let $A$ be an Azumaya algebra over $R$ and let $\sigma:A\to A$ be an orthogonal involution. (This means that there is a faithfully flat ...
11
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Fontaine's classification of p-divisible groups
Let k be a finite extension of $\mathbb{F}_p$, and W its ring of Witt vectors. Write W[F,V] for the Dieudonn\'e ring.
Let G be a connected p-divisible group which is finite-dimensional over k, and ...
11
votes
0
answers
480
views
Sheaf-theoretic Grothendieck groups
Let $S$ be a scheme, $M\to S$ a commutative monoid object in algebraic $S$-spaces, ie. an algebraic $S$-space such that, functorially on $S$-schemes $T$, $M(T)$ is a commutative monoid with neutral ...
11
votes
0
answers
316
views
Mysterious "raison d'être" of filtrations of congruence subgroups
I wonder for long why congruence subgroups seem to arise so naturally in certain filtrations. Everything below is on a local field $F_p$.
Filtration for $GL_n$. Casselman and later Jacquet, Piatetski-...
11
votes
0
answers
411
views
Lazard's theorem and Hopf structures on the polynomial algebra
Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field of characteristic $0$. A well-known result of Lazard's states that an algebraic group which is isomorphic as a variety to an affine space is unipotent (M. ...
11
votes
0
answers
491
views
Can an abelian variety/Q have no non-trivial points over Q_sol?
Let $A/\mathbb{Q}$ be an abelian variety. Must there be a finite solvable
extension $K/\mathbb{Q}$ such that $A(K)$ is nontrivial?
This follows from the conjecture that the maximal (pro-)solvable ...
11
votes
0
answers
576
views
What's known about the mod 2 reduction of the level l Jacobi modular equation?
Motivation:
Let $\ell$ be an odd prime. Let $A$ in ${\mathbb Z}/2[[x]]$ be $x+x^9+x^{25}+x^{49}+...$, and $B=A(x^\ell)$. One can use the level $\ell$ Jacobi modular equation to get a polynomial ...
11
votes
0
answers
1k
views
Do the Standard Conjectures imply parts of the "Weil II" Riemann Hypothesis?
It is known that Grothendieck's Standard Conjectures on algebraic cycles imply the Riemann Hypothesis of the original Weil Conjectures. However, do they also say something about the version of the ...
10
votes
6
answers
2k
views
Proofs in the same vein as Ax-Grothendieck
I would like to see other examples of (ideas of) proofs and results in the same vein as the proof of the Ax-Grothendieck theorem. To explain what I mean by "in the same vein", I will quote from the ...
10
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is $Sym^n (V^*) \cong Sym^n (V)^\ast$ naturally in positive characteristic?
Background/motivation
It is a classical fact that we have a natural isomorphism $Sym^n (V^*) \cong Sym^n (V) ^\ast$ for vector spaces $V$ over a field $k$ of characteristic 0. One way to see this is ...
10
votes
3
answers
725
views
Reduction mod $n$ of symplectic group
Let $g,n$ be positive integers, is there a reference that $\mathrm{Sp}(2g,\mathbb{Z})\to\mathrm{Sp}(2g,\mathbb{Z}/n\mathbb{Z})$ is surjection?
The only reference I could find is lemma 5.16 in Deligne–...
10
votes
1
answer
679
views
Is every Zariski closed subgroup a stabilizer?
Let $ G $ be a linear algebraic group. Is it true that a subgroup $ H $ of $ G $ is Zariski closed if and only if there exists a representation $ \pi: G \to \mathrm{GL}(V) $ and a vector $ v \in V $ ...
10
votes
2
answers
707
views
Square root in complex reductive groups
Let $G$ be a connected complex reductive linear algebraic group. Does every $g\in G$ have a square root? (That is, some $a\in G$ such that $a^2=g$.)
10
votes
5
answers
990
views
Non-conjugate words with the same trace
Let n>=2, p a large prime, G = SL_n(Z/pZ).
If n=2, there are words that, while not conjugate in the free group, do have identical trace in G. For example, tr(g h^2 g^2 h)= tr(g^2 h^2 g h) for all g, ...