Generic \(2\times 2\) matrices in positive characteristic (Q1972046)

The algebra of generic matrices plays an important rôle in the theory of algebras with polynomial identities; furthermore it has numerous applications. Denote by \(R_m(K)\) the algebra generated by \(m\) generic \(2\times 2\) matrices over \(K\) where \(K\) is a commutative ring with 1. Consider the natural homomorphism \(R_m(\mathbb{Z})\to R_m(\mathbb{Z}_p)\) for \(p\) being a prime. The main results of the paper under review describe the kernel of this homomorphism. It turns out that when \(p>2\) or \(p=2\) and \(m\leq 4\) then this kernel coincides with \(pR_m(\mathbb{Z})\). When \(p=2\) and \(m\geq 5\) the authors provide a ``new'' identity for \(M_2(\mathbb{Z}_2)\), i.e., an identity for \(M_2(\mathbb{Z}_2)\) that does not follow from those of \(M_2(\mathbb{Z})\) modulo 2. The new identity found is multilinear and of degree 5. These results give a precise answer to \textit{C. Procesi}'s problem [stated in Rings with polynomial identities, Marcel Dekker, New York (1973; Zbl 0262.16018)]. In order to answer this problem the authors calculate the respective Hilbert series. One of the main ingredients in this direction is of independent interest. Namely the authors describe a linear basis of \(R_m\) over the rationals that is a basis of \(R_m\) over an infinite field of characteristic \(p>2\). These bases are indexed by appropriate Young diagrams.