Geometric methods for cohomological invariants (Q2469675)

Let \(G\) be a split semisimple linear algebraic group over a field \(k\). As in classical topology the problem of classification of principal \(G\)-bundles over \(k\) can be reduced to the computation of suitable characteristic classes. Formally speaking, one introduces so called cohomological invariants of \(G\) which are natural transformations of functors \(H^1(-,G)\to H^i(-,\mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z})\), where the set \(H^1(k,G)\) parametrizes all principal \(G\)-bundles over \(k\) and \(H^i\) are Galois cohomology groups with finite coefficients. All such transformations form a graded \(H^*(k)\)-algebra which is denoted by \(\mathrm{Inv}(G)\). In general, to compute the algebra of invariants \(\mathrm{Inv}(G)\) turns to be a highly non-trivial task. In the paper under review the author suggests an approach of computing \(\mathrm{Inv}(G)\) for some groups \(G\) and primes \(p\) using an equivariant version of Rost's Chow groups with coefficients. The paper is based on the Rost's result relating \(\mathrm{Inv}(G)\) with the unramified cohomology \(A^0(X,H^*)\) of the versal \(G\)-torsor \(X\). In particular, if \(X=BG\) is a classifying space of \(G\) in the sense of Totaro, then \(\mathrm{Inv}(G)\) coincides with \(A^0(BG,H^*)\), therefore, reducing the problem to computing \(A^0(BG,H^*)\). To proceed with \(A^0(BG,H^*)\) the author identifies this ring with the equivariant cohomology of a point \(A_G^0(k,H^*)\). Then using the stratification method for equivariant cohomology he computes it for some groups \(G\). In particular, he proves the following: Corollary. Let \(V\) be a representation of the linear algebraic group \(G\). Form the projective representation \(P(V)\), and assume that there is a \(k\)-rational point in \(P(V)\) whose orbit is open, and isomorphic to \(G/S\). Then there is an injection \(\mathrm{Inv}(G)\to \mathrm{Inv}(S)\).