Brauer type embedding problems (Q1777603)

Inverse Galois Problem asks: Given a finite group \(G\) and a field \(K\), is there a Galois extension \(M\) of \(K\) with Galois group \(\text{Gal}(M/K)=G\)? Such an extension is called a \(G\)-extension. One can approach the problem step-wise, namely, if \(N\) is a normal subgroup of \(G\), one may construct a \(G/N\)-extension, and then asks if it can be extended to a \(G\)-extension. This is an idea that is known as the Galois theoretical embedding problem. This is the subject matter of the monograph under review. The Galois theoretical embedding problem is formulated as the question of embedding a Galois extension \(M/K\) with Galois group \(G= \text{Gal}(M/K)\) into a larger Galois extension \(F/K\), such that the Galois group \(\text{Gal}(F/K)\) is isomorphic to a specified group \(E\) and the restriction map from \(\text{Gal}(F/K)\) to \(G=\text{Gal}(M/K)\) corresponds to a given homomorphism \(\pi: E\to G\). How can one approach the problem? How can one determine if such an extension \(F/K\) exists (or not)? If it does, how can one find it? Or how can one find all of such extensions if there is any? The answers to these questions depend on the ground field \(K\), groups \(G, E\) and extensions \(M/K\). For instance, if \(G\) and \(E\) are cyclic and \(K={\mathbb Q}\), the class field theory solves the problem. Indeed, the method of algebraic number theory and class field theory produced many striking results solving the embedding problems. The main theme of this monograph is the so-called Brauer type embedding problem, where the kernel of \(\pi : E\to G\) can be identified with a group of roots of unity inside \(M\). This information is contained in the second Galois cohomology group \(H^2(G,M^*)\) or the relative Brauer group \(\text{Br}(M/K)\). The primary interest of this monograph is in the case when the kernel of \(\pi : E\to G\) has prime order. For this investigation, many topics including Galois theory, Brauer group theory, group cohomology and quadratic forms are required. The necessary materials from these topics are covered in Chapters 1, 3, 4 and 5. Chapter 2 provides the set-up, that is, the definitions of Galois theoretical embedding problems and Brauer type embedding problems. Most importantly, the obstruction to the embedding problem is introduced as an element in the Galois cohomology group \(H^2(G,M^*)\). This element determines solvability or non-solvability of the embedding problem. Indeed, the existence of obstructions makes the Brauer type embedding problems more approachable. Chapter 6 is concerned with decomposing the obstructions to Brauer type embedding problems into products of \(p\)-cyclic algebras. Chapter 7 explores the connection between Brauer type embedding problems and quadratic forms. In particular, quadratic forms provide nice criteria for solvability of a number of embedding problems, and further indicate a direction on how to find solutions. Such a connection is highlighted by the theorem of Witt: A bi-quadratic extension \(K(\sqrt{a},\sqrt{b})/K\) in characteristic \(\neq 2\) can be embedded into a \(Q_8\)-extension, if and only if the quadratic forms \(\langle a,b,ab\rangle\) and \(\langle 1,1,1\rangle\) are equivalent over \(K\). The last chapter 8 discusses the reduction of non-Brauer type embedding problems to those of Brauer type. Two cases are treated here: the non-split case with kernel of prime order \(p\) in characteristic \(\neq p\), and the case with \(\ker(\pi)\) of order \(4\). Groups of exponent \(4\) and groups of exponent \(8\) provide nice examples illustrating the Brauer type embedding problems and solutions. The main tool used in these investigations is Galois cohomology. Throughout the monograph, presentations are very crisp and clear. Each chapter is supplemented by a large collection of exercises. The monograph may be used as a textbook for an advanced algebra course. Here is the contents of the book: Chapter 1: Galois Theory, Chapter 2: Inverse Galois Theory and Embedding Problems, Chapter 3: Brauer Groups, Chapter 4: Group Cohomology, Chapter 5: Quadratic Forms, Chapter 6: Decomposing the Obstruction, Chapter 7: Quadratic Forms and Embedding Problems, Chapter 8: Reducing the Embedding Problem and Appendix: Pro-finite Galois Theory. There are other approaches to the Inverse Galois Problem, and Galois theoretical embedding problems, notably, \textit{G. Malle} and \textit{B. H. Matzat} [Inverse Galois Theory, Monographs in Mathematics, Springer-Verlag (1999; Zbl 0940.12001)], \textit{V. V. Ishkhanov, B. B. Lur'e} and \textit{D. K. Faddeev} [The embedding problem in Galois theory, Translations of Mathematical Monographs 165, American Mathematical Society (1997; Zbl 0883.12002)], and \textit{M. D. Fried} and \textit{M. Jarden} [Field Arithmetic, Ergebnisse der Mathematik 11, Springer-Verlag (1986; Zbl 0625.12001); 2nd revised and enlarged ed. (2005; Zbl 1055.12003)]. The approach employed by the present monograph is more constructive and explicit. Thus, it is complementary to the existing literature on the subject, and indeed provides a good addition.