Differential operators on noncommutative rings (Q1376343)

The authors recall the standard construction of rings of differential operators over a commutative algebra \(k\)-algebra \(R\), and isolate the key property that this process is compatible with localization. They propose a definition for the ring of differential operators in the case that \(R\) is noncommutative. They show that if \(R\) is a domain their process is compatible with Ore localization. When \(\Gamma\) is an Abelian group and \(\beta\colon\Gamma\times\Gamma\to k^*\) is a bicharacter they introduce the ring of \(\beta\) differential operators on a \(\Gamma\)-graded ring \(R\) and again prove a theorem concerning compatibility with localization (at an Ore set of homogeneous elements). Finally, they define quantum differential operators. The ideas they develop are illustrated by reference to the examples of quantum affine spaces and quantum enveloping algebras. An analogue of Bernstein's theorem concerning holonomic modules is obtained for the algebra of quantum differential operators on quantum affine space.