A characterization of two-dimensional rational singularities via core of ideals (Q1703106)

Let \((A,\mathfrak{m})\) be a two--dimensional excellent normal local domain containing an algebraically closed field \(K\). Let \(f:X\to \mathrm{Spec} (A)\) be a resolution of singularity, then \(p_g(A)=l_A(H^1(X, \mathcal{O}_X))\), the geometric genus of \(A\), is independent on the resolution. Let \(I\subset A\) be an integrally closed \(\mathfrak{m}\)-primary ideal and assume that \(Z\) is an anti-nef cycle on \(X\) such that \(I\mathcal{O}_X=\mathcal{O}_X (-Z)\) and \(I=I_Z:= H^0(X, \mathcal{O}_X(-Z))\). If \(l_A(H^1(X, \mathcal{O}_X(-Z)))=p_g(A)\) then \(Z\) is called a \(p_g\)-cycle and \(I\) is called a \(p_g\)-ideal. The core of \(I\) is the intersection of all reductions of \(I\). It is proved that in case of \(\mathrm{char}(K)\neq 2\) \(A\) is a rational singularity, i.e. \(p_g(A)=0\), if and only if for any integrally closed \(\mathfrak{m}\)-primary ideals \(I'\subset I\), we have core \((I')\subset \mathrm{core } (I)\). An \(\mathfrak{m}\)-primary ideal \(I\) is said to be good if \(I^2=QI\) and \(I=Q:I\) for some minimal reduction \(Q\) of \(I\). It is proved that \(A\) admits a good \(p_g\)-ideal.