On algebras of strongly unbounded representation type (Q1070319)

The second Brauer-Thrall conjecture asserts that every representation- infinite finite dimensional algebra over an algebraically closed field k is of strongly unbounded type, that is, there is an infinite sequence of positive numbers \(d_ 1<d_ 2<...<d_ s<..\). such that for each \(d_ i\) there are infinitely many isomorphism classes of indecomposable modules with k-dimension \(d_ i\). The first (affirmative) proof of this conjecture, using vector space category methods, due to \textit{L. A. Nazarova} and \textit{A. V. Rojter} [Mitt. Math. Sem. Gießen 115, 1-153 (1975; Zbl 0315.16021)] contains ''delicate points''. A new interesting geometric proof for fields k of characteristic different from 2 is presented here. Together with a recent result of \textit{K. Bongartz} [Comment. Math. Helv. 60, 400-410 (1985)] this gives a proof for arbitrary characteristic. The proof presented here depends heavily on the work of \textit{R. Bautista}, \textit{P. Gabriel}, \textit{A. V. Rojter} and \textit{L. Salmerón} on multiplicative bases [Invent. Math. 81, 217-285 (1985; Zbl 0575.16012)] and uses covering techniques. Independent proofs of the second Brauer-Thrall conjecture have been also obtained by \textit{U. Fischbacher} [C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Sér. I 300, 259-262 (1985)] and \textit{O. Bretscher} and \textit{G. Todorov} [Lect. Notes Math. 1177, 50-54 (1986)].