A generalization of Rickart modules. (Q2016117)

A right \(R\)-module \(M\) is defined to be \(\pi\)-Rickart if for any \(f\in S=\mathrm{End}_R(M)\), there exists an \(e^2=e\in S\) and a positive integer \(n\) such that \(r_M(f^n)=eM\). This concept dualizes the concept of dual \(\pi\)-Rickart modules which the authors introduced [in Rev. Colomb. Mat. 46, No. 2, 167-183 (2012)]. Dual \(\pi\)-Rickart modules generalize the notion of dual Rickart modules and extend the concept of \(\pi\)-regular rings. The concept of \(\pi\)-Rickart modules itself coincides with that of generalized right principally projectivity on \(R_R\). Any Rickard module is shown to be \(\pi\)-Rickart, with the inverse true if \(S\) is a reduced ring. Examples show that the two concepts do not in general coincide. Conditions are found for the concepts of \(\pi\)-Rickart, Rickart and Baer modules to coincide. Closure properties of \(\pi\)-Rickart modules are investigated. For example, direct summands of \(\pi\)-Rickart modules are shown to be \(\pi\)-Rickart, while direct sums and submodules of \(\pi\)-Rickart modules need not be. This is illustrated by examples and some conditions are found for direct sums or submodules of \(\pi\)-Rickart modules to be \(\pi\)-Rickart. Properties of endomorphism rings of \(\pi\)-Rickart modules are studied. Several conditions on the endomorphism ring \(S\) are found that force particular types of modules to be \(\pi\)-Rickart, for example: (1) If \(M\) is a flat left \(S\)-module and \(S\) is a generalized right principally projective ring, then \(M\) is \(\pi\)-Rickart as an \(R\)-module. (2) If \(M\) is an \(R\)-module, \(S\) a \(\pi\)-regular ring, then \(M\) is a \(\pi\)-Rickart \(R\)-module. (3) If \(M\) is an \(R\)-module with \(C_2\) condition, then \(M\) is \(\pi\)-Rickart if and only if \(S\) is a regular ring. (4) \(S\) is a local ring with nil Jacobson radical if and only if \(M\) is an indecomposable \(\pi\)-Rickart module.