Finitely generated simple algebras: a question of B. I. Plotkin. (Q1766478)

Let \(K\) be a field and \(K(t)\) the rational function field in one indeterminate \(t\) over \(K\). The paper under review gives an answer to a question posed by \textit{B. I. Plotkin} [in his Seven Lectures on Universal Algebraic Geometry, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Preprint (2002)] by showing that then there exists an uncountable set of central division \(K(t)\)-algebras, which are \(2\)-generated and (pairwise) nonisomorphic as algebras over \(K\). In addition, each algebra from this set is obtained as the universal field of fractions of an HNN-extension of the free field \(F\langle x,y\rangle\), with \(F\) a field extension of \(K\) of transcendence degree \(1\). Also, the authors prove that if the multiplicative group \(K^*\) of \(K\) contains an element \(\xi\) of infinite order, and also, the equation \(X^n=\xi\) is solvable over \(K\), for every positive integer \(n\), then there is an uncountable set of nonisomorphic central division \(K\)-algebras, which are \(4\)-generated over \(K\) and are simple left Ore domains. Each algebra from this set is the division ring of fractions of a crossed product \(E*G\), where \(E\) is a \(K\)-algebra and an integeral domain with quotient field of transcendence degree \(1\) over \(K\), and \(G\) is the wreath product \(C\wr C\) with \(C\) infinite cyclic. Several variations of these results can be found as well.