On filtered multiplicative bases of some associative algebras. (Q2348545)

A vector space basis \(\mathfrak B\) of a finite-dimensional associative algebra \(A\) is called multiplicative if the product of two basis vectors in \(\mathfrak B\) is either zero or belongs to \(\mathfrak B\), and it is called filtered multiplicative if, in addition, the basis vectors in \(\mathfrak B\) belonging to the Jacobson radical \(\mathfrak J(A)\) of \(A\) form a basis of \(\mathfrak J(A)\). In the paper under review the authors investigate the existence of filtered multiplicative bases for certain classes of associative algebras. There are two general results, each with applications either to restricted universal enveloping algebras or to group algebras, respectively. In the first general result the authors give some sufficient conditions for the existence of multiplicative bases of homomorphic images of algebras with a multiplicative basis. This is then applied to characterize the existence of filtered multiplicative bases for the restricted universal enveloping algebra of a finite-dimensional \(p\)-nilpotent restricted Lie algebra of nilpotency class \(2\) over a field of characteristic \(p\). This characterization complements the results obtained by the authors in a previous paper [Algebr. Represent. Theory 14, No. 4, 601-608 (2011; Zbl 1257.17027)]. Some related open problems are also mentioned. In the second general result it is proved that if an algebra \(A\) has a filtered multiplicative basis, then its graded algebra associated to the filtration induced by the powers of \(\mathfrak J(A)\) has also a filtered multiplicative basis. Moreover, the authors provide an example showing that the converse can be false. It is proved that the restricted universal enveloping algebra of the restricted Lie algebra associated to a finite \(p\)-group \(G\) has a filtered multiplicative basis if the group algebra of \(G\) has one. This combined with a result by the first author [Algebr. Represent. Theory 6, No. 3, 353-368 (2003; Zbl 1042.20002)] and a result in the paper cited above is used to establish that the group algebra of a finite \(p\)-group of nilpotency class \(2\) over a field of odd characteristic \(p\) does not have a filtered multiplicative basis. The last result is a first step to answering the open question whether group algebras of finite non-abelian \(p\)-groups over fields of odd characteristic \(p\) have a filtered multiplicative basis.