Representing Clifford algebras as crossed-products (Q911688)

Let d be a positive integer, \(d>2\), let F be a field of characteristic not dividing d, and let f be a diagonal binary form of degree d. Denote by \(C_ f\) the Clifford algebra associated to f. In the papers of \textit{D. E. Haile} [Am. J. Math. 106, 1269-1280 (1984; Zbl 0585.13001)], \textit{D. E. Haile} and \textit{S. Tesser} [J. Algebra 116, 372-384 (1988; Zbl 0652.16002)] and \textit{S. Tesser} [J. Algebra 119, 265-281 (1988; Zbl 0664.10009)] certain homomorphic images of f were studied in detail the methods being such that they implied lengthy calculations in certain matrix rings. In this paper it is shown in an easy and direct way that these homomorphic images are crossed-products over the coordinate ring of a degree d plane curve over F by a finite cyclic group of order d. Using these facts the relevant results of the above-mentioned papers can be made easy corollaries.