Cohomology and the normal basis theorem (Q2381836)

Let \(L/K\) be a finite Galois field extension with Galois group \(G\). By the normal basis theorem, \(L\) and \(K[G]\) are isomorphic as left \(K[G]\)-modules. A priori, for infinite Galois extensions, the normal basis theorem makes no sense. However, let \((G,K)\) denote the set of functions \(f: G\to K\) and let \(G\) operate on \((G,K)\) by \(s(f)(t)= f(s^{-1}t)\) for all \(s,t\in G\). Then, the normal basis theorem in the finite case can be formulated by saying that there is a left \(K\)-vector space isomorphism from \((G,K)\) to \(L\) that respects the action of \(G\). In [Indag. Math. 47, 221--228 (1985; Zbl 0569.12013)], \textit{H. W. Lenstra jun.} generalized this version for \(L/K\) an infinite Galois extension, by establishing a general result concerning inverse limits of free rank one modules over artinian rings. In the paper under review, the author gives a new proof of Lenstra's theorem. By using his own inverse limit version of Hilbert's theorem 90 [the author, J. Algebra 256, No. 2, 531--541 (2002; Zbl 1015.12003)], he obtains a cohomological proof based on Galois descent. For another type of generalization of the normal basis theorem by the author, see [Int. Electron. J. Algebra 2, 100--105, electronic only (2007; Zbl 1136.12003)].