Invariant theory, orbits and non-decomposable quadruples of subspaces having non-zero defect (Q1809089)

The author considers the quadruples of subspaces of a finite dimensional vector space \(V\) over an algebraically closed field of characteristic \(0\). The case is studied where there is a non-decomposable quadruple, having non-zero defect, in the dimension class of the quadruples. It is shown that the non-decomposables form an open orbit characterized by the nonvanishing of each of the homogeneous generators \(F_i\), found by \textit{R. Howe} and \textit{R. Huang} [Adv. Math. 118, No. 2, 295-336 (1996; Zbl 0852.15021)], of the corresponding algebra of invariants; furthermore, the \(SL(V)\)-orbit of a non-decomposable is completely determined by the values of the \(F_i\). The orbit structure for decomposable quadruples where some \(F_i\) does not vanish is completely described in three tables. Remark: The quadruples of subspaces is also the subject of the paper by \textit{G. W. Schwarz} and \textit{D. L. Wehlau} [Invariants of four subspaces, Ann. Inst. Fourier 48, No. 3, 667-697 (1998)], that appeared simultaneously with the paper under review.