The Picard group of an order and Külshammer reduction (Q2040638)

Let \(p\) be a prime, and let \((K,\mathcal{O},k)\) be a \(p\)-modular system where \(k\) is algebraically closed. Moreover, let \(\Lambda\) be an \(\mathcal{O}\)-order in a separable \(K\)-algebra. The main result of the paper shows that the outer automorphism group \(\text{Out}_\mathcal{O}(\Lambda)\) has the structure of an algebraic group over \(k\). Thus the same is true for the Picard group \(\text{Pic}_\mathcal{O}(\Lambda)\). As an application, the author proves that, for any finite \(p\)-group \(D\), Donovan's conjecture for blocks with defect group \(D\) in group algebras of finite groups over \(\mathcal{O}\) reduces to blocks with defect group \(D\) in group algebras of finite groups \(H\) satisfying \(H = \langle hDh^{-1}: h \in H \rangle\). This lifts a result of the reviewer [Isr. J. Math. 92, No. 1--3, 295--306 (1995; Zbl 0842.20011)] from \(k\) to \(\mathcal{O}\).