Three automorphism theorems for triangular matrix algebras (Q1923199)

Let \({\mathbf T}_n({\mathbf A})\) be the algebra of upper triangular \(n\times n\) matrices with entries from an associative \(\mathbf k\)-algebra, where \(\mathbf k\) is a commutative ring. Several authors have shown that if \(\mathbf A\) is sufficiently well behaved, then every \(\mathbf k\)-algebra automorphism of \({\mathbf T}_n({\mathbf A})\) decomposes into a product of an inner automorphism and an automorphism defined by an automorphism of \(\mathbf A\). In this paper the author finds new sufficient conditions for \(\mathbf A\) that guarantee such decompositions, and gives comparisons with previous results. The author shows that a single automorphism admits such a decomposition if and only if it respects the subspace of strict upper triangular matrices. The author also considers the case of infinite matrices. The paper contains three theorems and corollaries.