On degree bounds for the defining equations of arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay and Buchsbaum varieties (Q1823284)

Let \(V\) be a reduced irreducible non-degenerate variety of codimension \(n\) and degree \(s\) in projective \(m\)-space. \textit{R. Treger} [Duke Math. J. 48, 35-47 (1981; Zbl 0474.14030)] has shown that if \(V\) is arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay, then the defining ideal \(P\) of \(V\) may be generated by forms of degree less than or equal to the fraction \(s/n\) (rounded up). \textit{A. V. Geramita} in Curves Semin. at Queen's, Vol. 3, Kingston/Can. 1983, Queen's Pap. Pure Appl. Math. 67, Exposé L (1984; Zbl 0593.14032) and \textit{P. Maroscia} and \textit{W. Vogel} [Math. Ann. 269, 183-189 (1984; Zbl 0533.14022)] have shown that a generator with degree equal to Treger's bound is required only in certain special cases. For example, Geramita has shown that if \(n\) is sufficiently large, then \(P\) is generated by forms of degree \textit{less} than Treger's bound, unless \(P\) requires a generator of degree 2. The stage is set for giving upper bounds on the degrees of the generators of \(P\) in terms of lower bounds. The present paper attacks this problem. A family \(\{\tau_ t:\quad t\geq 1\}\) of bounds is constructed. It is proved that \(P\) is generated by forms of degree at most \(\tau_ t\) for all \(t\). The formula for \(\tau_ t\) is rather complicated, but the only new data that one needs is the Hilbert function \(H(i)\) of \(V\) for \(0\leq i\leq t\). The aforementioned results of Geramita and Maroscia-Vogel are recovered by this approach. The proof is obtained by studying a suitably general set of \(s\) points in \({\mathbb{P}}^ n.\) The second part of the paper establishes a bound similar to Treger's in the case where \(V\) is arithmetically Buchsbaum. A related result has been proved by \textit{P. Maroscia}, \textit{J. Stückrad} and \textit{W. Vogel} [Math. Ann. 277, 53-65 (1987; Zbl 0634.14029)].