Rings and fields of constants for derivations in characteristic zero (Q1336812)

Let \(K\) be a field of characteristic zero and \(L\) be a field extension of \(K\). \textit{S. Suzuki} [J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 21, 375--382 (1981; Zbl 0496.12018)] and \textit{J. Derksen} [Report 9123, Catholic Univ. Nijmegen (1991)] have shown that if \(L\) has finite transcendence degree and \(F\) is an intermediate field between \(K\) and \(L\), then \(F\) is the field of constants of a derivation of \(L\) if and only if \(F\) is algebraically closed in \(L\). The author extends this to the case of infinite transcendence degree and proves some other results of rings of constants of derivations. In particular, if \(A\) is a finitely generated \(K\)-algebra and is a domain and if \(D\) is a set of \(K\)-derivations of \(A\) then there is a single \(K\)-derivation \(d\) such that the ring of constants of \(D\) is equal to the ring of constants of \(d\). Also, if \(G\subseteq \text{GL}_ n(K)\) is a connected algebraic group acting on the polynomial algebra \(k[ x_ 1,\dots, x_ n]\) then there is a \(K\)-derivation \(d\) of \(k[x_ 1, \dots, x_ n]\) such that the ring of invariants for \(G\) is equal to the ring of constants of \(d\). In addition to these results, the paper contains a number of interesting examples and questions.