A survey on Albert algebras (Q2416411)

By a well known result by \textit{K. McCrimmon} and \textit{E. Zel'manov} [Adv. Math. 69, No. 2, 133--222 (1988; Zbl 0656.17015)], any simple Jordan algebra is either special or an Albert algebra over some field. Moreover, Albert algebras over a field are the twisted forms of the Jordan algebra of hermitian \(3\times 3\) matrices over the octonions. This shows the very `exceptional' role played by Albert algebras in Jordan theory, but they are also important because of their intimate connections with the exceptional simple Lie algebras and algebraic groups. This paper gives an impressive account of the state of the art on these algebras, but not only over fields, but over (unital associative) commutative rings. Most results are stated with this generality, and this presents new challenges. To begin with, a right definition is needed. Here an Albert algebra over a commutative ring \(k\) is defined as a cubic Jordan \(k\)-algebra \(J\) which is a finitely generated projective \(k\)-module of (constant) rank \(27\), such that for all fields \(F\) in the category of (unital, commutative, associative) \(k\)-algebras, the extended cubic Jordan algebra \(J_F\) is simple. The paper reviews the birth of linear Jordan algebras, before stating carefully the notations to be used and the precise definitions of (quadratic) Jordan algebras over commutative rings. Octonion algebras are reviewed, too, as they play a key role for Albert algebras. The two Tits constructions of cubic Jordan algebras are presented in detail, giving new insights even over fields. Cubic Jordan division algebras over fields, as well as cohomological invariants are discussed too. Proofs are not given in general, but they are substituted by sketches and ideas, and pointers to a very complete list of references. Also, a list of important open problems, with thorough discussions and partial results, is given, ranging from the classification up to isomorphism or isotopy, to the computation of the essential dimension, and much more. Anyone interested in Jordan algebras, and their connections with other nonassociative algebras and with the exceptional algebraic groups (especially with \(F_4\)), will benefit a lot from the reading of this survey.