On the center and semi-center of enveloping algebras in prime characteristic (Q734804)

Let \(L\) be a finite-dimensional Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field \(F\) of characteristic \(p > 0\). In this paper, the authors study the centre \(Z(U(L))\) and semi-centre \(Sz(U(L))\) of the enveloping algebra of \(L\), which are respectively the rings of invariants and semi-invariants under the adjoint action of \(L\) on \(U(L)\). Most results are obtained in the case when \(L\) is solvable. We give two sample results. First, if \([L,L]\) is nilpotent, then the semi-centre \(Sz(U(L))\) is a factorial domain. This is an analogue of a theorem by \textit{C. Moeglin}, [C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Sér. A, 282, 1269--1272 (1976; Zbl 0338.17002)] for Lie algebras over fields of characteristic 0. We also refer to [\textit{R. Tange}, Adv. Math. 224, No. 1, 340--354 (2010; Zbl 1193.17009)] for factorial properties in the reductive case. Second, if \(L\) is solvable, the divisor class groups of the centre and the semi-centre of \(U(L)\) are finite elementary abelian \(p\)-groups. In the case of \(Z(U(L))\), this groups is precisely described as the left hand side of an explicit short exact sequence involving weights of \(L\). Similar results are obtained for the invariant and semi-invariants of an arbitrary Lie algebra acting in the symmetric algebra \(S(V)\) of a representation \(V\). These questions parallel the work of \textit{H. Nakajima} [J. Algebra 79, 218--234 (1982; Zbl 0499.20029)] for actions of finite groups. While many results are similar to their characteristic 0 counterparts, the methods used in this paper are very specific to the modular situation, and make heavy use of PI ring theory, and \(p\)-polynomials in enveloping algebras. The paper also contains many examples and counter-examples which illustrate the results and the extent of their validity.