Abstract
One of the main features of the theory of polynomial identities is the existence (for any n) of a division algebra of degree n, formed by adjoining quotients of central elements of the algebra of generic n×n matrices; this division algebra is extremely interesting and has been used by Amitsur (for n divisible by either 8 or the square of an odd prime) as an example of a non-crossed product central division algebra. The main object of this paper is to obtain, in a parallel method, division algebras with involution of the first kind, knowledge of which would answer some long-standing questions in the theory of division algebras with involution. One such question is, "Is every division algebra with involution of the first kind a tensor product of quaternion division algebras?" In the process, a theory of (polynomial) identities in algebras with involution is developed with emphasis on prime PI-algebras with involution.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 70-95 |
Number of pages | 26 |
Journal | Israel Journal of Mathematics |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1975 |
Externally published | Yes |