Scalar extensions of triangulated categories (Q2015825)

The base change of a \(K\)-linear abelian category \(C\) by a field extension \(L/K\) may be defined by considering \(L\)-module objects in \(C\): this approach fails for abstract triangulated categories, but when such a category is presented as the homotopy category of a DG-category, a similar approach may be taken at the DG-categorical level. The author explains the details, and shows that the resulting definition satisfies some expected properties. In particular, given a variety \(X\) over~\(K\), the author defines the base change \(D^b(X)_L\) for finite field extensions, and shows it to be equivalent to \(D^b(X_L)\) in the smooth projective case, or when the extension is Galois. It is also proved that such extensions do not change the dimension of the triangulated category, in the sense of \textit{R. Rouquier} [J. K-Theory 1, No. 2, 193--256 (2008; Zbl 1165.18008)]. Other approaches are discussed, including one using Toën's internal Hom-functor in the homotopy category of DG-categories [\textit{B. Toën}, Invent. Math. 167, No. 3, 615--667 (2007; Zbl 1118.18010)].