The \(F\)-signature and strong \(F\)-regularity. (Q1565813)

\(F\)-signature was first defined by \textit{C. Huneke} and \textit{G. J. Leuschke} [Math. Ann. 324, No. 2, 391--404 (2002; Zbl 1007.13005)], and in the paper under review the authors define it in a more general context: For any \(F\)-finite Noetherian ring \(R\) (of prime characteristic \(p\)), the \(F\)-signature is an asymptotic measure of the proportion of \(R\)-free direct summands in a direct sum decomposition of \(R^{1/p^e}\) as \(e\) varies. More explicitly, the \(F\)-signature is defined as the limit of a sequence, whenever the limit exists. The main result of this paper proves that a reduced excellent \(F\)-finite local ring of prime characteristic for which \(F\)-signature exists, is strongly \(F\)-regular if and only if the \(F\)-signature is positive. The main result also applies in case the sequence defining the \(F\)-signature does not converge.