Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 1704.03657

Generically split octonion algebras and A^1-homotopy theory

Abstract

We study generically split octonion algebras over schemes using techniques of ${\mathbb A}^1$-homotopy theory. By combining affine representability results with techniques of obstruction theory, we establish classification results over smooth affine schemes of small dimension. In particular, for smooth affine schemes over algebraically closed fields, we show that generically split octonion algebras may be classified by characteristic classes including the second Chern class and another "mod $3$" invariant. We review Zorn's "vector matrix" construction of octonion algebras, generalized to rings by various authors, and show that generically split octonion algebras are always obtained from this construction over smooth affine schemes of low dimension. Finally, generalizing P. Gille's analysis of octonion algebras with trivial norm form, we observe that generically split octonion algebras with trivial associated spinor bundle are automatically split in low dimensions.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Aravind Asok, Marc Hoyois, Matthias Wendt. 2017-04-12. Generically split octonion algebras and A^1-homotopy theory. https://doi.org/10.2140/ant.2019.13.695

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

G3-Criteria and Applications

The G3-property of a subvariety was introduced by Hironaka-Matsumura, and plays an important role for deducing connectedness and extension results. Unfortunately, it's a rather elusive notion, which is not always easy to establish. Most of the existing work is concentrated on subvarieties of homogeneous varieties. The first goal of this article is to show that mobility assumptions on the subvariety, considered in works of Badescu, Chow, Debarre, Voisin, yield a certain partial positivity property, slightly stronger than G3, previously introduced by the author. Second, we apply the result to prove that, in numerous situations, the splitting of the normal bundle of a smooth two-codimensional subvariety implies that it is a complete intersection.

math.AG

Moduli Stacks of $G$-Curves in Homotopy Theory at Height $p-1$

Let $p$ be odd and $G' = \mathbb{Z}/p \rtimes \mathbb{Z}/(p-1)^2$ the maximal finite subgroup of the Morava stabilizer group at height $p-1$. Inverse Galois theory produces from $G'$ alone a curve $X$, the unique curve of minimal genus with $\operatorname{Aut}(X) \simeq G'$; its ramification, its field of definition and its equation are consequences of the group, not choices. We prove a $G'$-equivariant equivalence between the deformations of $X$ and Lubin--Tate space, so that the Lubin--Tate action of $G'$ is the action of $\operatorname{Aut}(X)$ on deformations of the curve. The proof is a coordinate-free Kodaira--Spencer argument reducing to a single character count. The action becomes explicit: $G'$ acts through $\mathbb{F}_p \rtimes \mathbb{F}_p^\times$ shifting and scaling $p+1$ points on $\mathbb{P}^1$. From this we compute $H^*(G', π_* E_{p-1})$ and its Tate cohomology. One identity, $π^{p-1} = -p$, runs through every section.

math.AG