Isotopy and invariants of Albert algebras (Q1300311)

The paper under review deals with the cohomological invariants, attached to the exceptional central simple Jordan algebras (or Albert algebras), introduced by Serre (\(f_3\) and \(f_5\), invariants modulo \(2\)) and by Rost (\(g_3\), invariant modulo \(3\)). A nice description of these invariants and of interesting questions raised related to them is given by \textit{H. P.~Petersson} and \textit{M. L.~Racine} [Albert algebras; in Jordan algebras, Proc. Conf. Oberwolfach 1992, de Gruyter, 197-207 (1994; Zbl 0898.17014)]. The author proves that two Albert algebras obtained as second Tits' constructions, \(J(B,\sigma,u,\mu)\) and \(J(B,\tau,v,\nu)\), with the same associative algebra \(B\) and the same invariants \(f_3\) and \(g_3\), are isotopic. This gives a partial answer to one of the questions raised in the article above by Petersson and Racine. Then, given any Albert algebra \(J\), a new Albert algebra \(J'\) is shown to exist with the same invariant \(g_3\) but with trivial invariants modulo \(2\) (\(f_3(J')=f_5(J')=0\)). Finally, examples of division Albert algebras, which are pure second Tits' constructions, are given and some consequences obtained.