Modular lattices and Hermitean forms (Q1086274)

The main topic is the isometry classification (with respect to Hermitian forms) of finite or countably infinite dimensional vector spaces E together with a distinguished subspace F including the case of division rings of characteristic two. The decisive invariant in the sense of Gross' lattice method turns out to be the system of subspaces generated (under the formation of sums, intersections, and orthogonal spaces) by F and the subspace of vectors whose length is a trace. This invariant is calculated and used for a classification in three cases of particular interest. The complete solution of the finite dimensional case by the author, \textit{B. Gross} and the reviewer appeared in J. Algebra 105, 516- 541 (1987). In addition, the author establishes lattice conditions sufficient for the orthogonal separability of a pair of subspaces.