Minimal infinite submodule-closed subcategories. (Q713130)

Let \(\Lambda\) be an Artin algebra, and \(\text{mod\,}\Lambda\) the category of \(\Lambda\)-modules of finite length. A subcategory \(\mathcal C\) of \(\text{mod\,}\Lambda\), closed under isomorphisms, finite direct sums and direct summands, is said to be infinite if it contains infinitely many isomorphism classes of indecomposable modules. \(\mathcal C\) is said to be submodule-closed if any submodule of a module in \(\mathcal C\) also belongs to \(\mathcal C\). \(\mathcal C\) is called minimal infinite submodule-closed provided it is infinite, submodule-closed, and does not contain a proper subcategory which is both infinite and submodule-closed. It is shown in this paper that, if \(\Lambda\) is an Artin algebra, any infinite submodule-closed subcategory \(\mathcal C\) of \(\text{mod\,}\Lambda\) contains a minimal infinite submodule-closed subcategory. Also, several interesting properties of minimal infinite submodule-closed subcategories are given. The proofs depend essentially on the Gabriel-Roiter measure for \(\Lambda\)-modules, as developed in the author's earlier works [see, e.g., \textit{C. M. Ringel}, Bull. Sci. Math. 129, No. 9, 726-748 (2005; Zbl 1133.16017); Contemp. Math. 406, 105-135 (2006; Zbl 1111.16013)]. Several examples of minimal subcategories are given, including the cases when \(\Lambda\) is a connected hereditary Artin algebra, or when \(\Lambda\) is a tame concealed Artin algebra.