Factorisability, group lattices, and Galois module structure (Q810579)

Let \({\mathcal O}\) be a Dedekind domain with field of fractions K and let \(\Gamma\) be a finite abelian group. \textit{A. Fröhlich} [Ill. J. Math. 32, 407-421 (1988; Zbl 0664.12007)] has introduced the notion of factor equivalence between two \({\mathcal O}\Gamma\)-lattices, which is a weaker relation than that of being in the same genus. (The present paper contains a helpful summary of these definitions and their relationship.) The problem then is to find invariants which describe the genera within a factor equivalence class. The author gives a partial solution in two cases: (i) K is a number field and no prime divisor of \(| \Gamma |\) is ramified in K/\({\mathbb{Q}}\); (ii) K is an absolutely unramified local field. The main result is as follows. Suppose that X and Y are \({\mathcal O}\Gamma\)- lattices with KX\(\cong KY\) a quotient of the algebra \({\mathbb{Q}}\Gamma\). Then the defect function \(J(X,Y)=0\) if and only if X and Y are both factor equivalent and ``\(\circ\)-equivalent'', this last relation also being defined in terms of the module defect. Applying the result when \(Y={\mathfrak A}\) is the associated order of X, a criterion for X to be in the genus of \({\mathfrak A}\) is obtained. The author remarks that the result is not true after any weakening of the hypotheses. The theory is illustrated by a detailed analysis of the possible relationships between the order \({\mathcal O}\Gamma +{\mathfrak b}^{-1}(\sum \gamma)\) and the lattice \({\mathfrak b}{\mathcal O}\Gamma +J_{\Gamma}\), where \({\mathfrak b}\) is an ideal of \({\mathcal O}\) dividing \(| \Gamma |\) and \(J_{\Gamma}\) is the augmentation ideal.