Hypersurface singularities in positive characteristic (Q2370613)

The key point in the resolution of singularities is the choice of the centers for the blowing-ups. In characteristic zero the center as a subset of the locus of highest multiciplity is determined by induction passing to a so-called hypersurface of maximal contact (eliminating one variable). In characteristic \(p>0\) this is not possible in general. The multiplicity of an embedded hypersurface at a point can be described in terms of differential operators as well as in terms of general projections defined at étale neighbourhoods of this point. Both approaches are related in the paper. Invariants of embedded hypersurfaces are studied in terms of differential operators, which express properties of the ramification of the morphism. A central result in multiplicity theory of hypersurfaces is a form elimination of one variable in the description of highest multiplicity locus. In characteristic \(0\) this form of elimination is achieved with the notion of Tschirnhausen polynomials introduced by Abhyankar. This is a key point in the proof of embedded desingularization. A characteristic free approach to this form of elimination is given. Given a \((d-1)\)-dimensional hypersurface in a smooth \(d\)-dimensional scheme. The approach based on projections on smooth \((d-1)\)-dimensional schemes. The behaviour of invariants related to this form of elimination is discussed.