Cyclic algebras over \(p\)-adic curves. (Q2456203)

Let \(K\) be a finite extension of the rational function field \(\mathbb{Q}_p(t)\) in one indeterminate over the field \(\mathbb{Q}_p\) of \(p\)-adic numbers. The paper under review continues the study of central division \(K\)-algebras of dimensions prime to \(p\) presented in earlier papers by the author [see, for example, his articles in J. Ramanujan Math. Soc. 12, No. 1, 25-47 (1997; Zbl 0902.16021), ibid. 13, No. 2, 125-129 (1998; Zbl 0920.16008)]. The main result of the paper states that the considered algebras are cyclic in case they are of prime index \(q\neq p\). Under the hypothesis that \(K\) is the function field of a projective regular and excellent surface \(S\to\text{Spec}(\mathbb{Z}_p)\) of finite type and relative dimension one (where \(\mathbb{Z}_p\) is the ring of \(p\)-adic integers), it is also proved that if \(D\) is a central division \(K\)-algebra of exponent \(q\) and \(S\) has been blown up so that the ramification locus of \(D\) consists of nonsingular curves with normal crossings, then \(D\) has Schur index \(q\) if and only if there are no hot points. The author's approach to the topic of his paper aims at proving as much as possible about Brauer classes over surfaces. He first reviews some material about Brauer groups, cyclic extensions, ramification, projective surfaces over \(\mathbb{Z}_p\), and develops a kind of a divisor theory by considering a certain cohomology group over a more general scheme \(X\). Next he studies the geometry of a Brauer class of order \(q\), taking as a basis of the analysis the special case where \(K\) contains a primitive \(q\)-th root of unity. Before proving the main results, the author also considers the behaviour of the ``residual'' classes.