Infinitely generated Derksen and Makar-Limanov invariant (Q2472329)

Let \(A\) be a commutative \(k\)-algebra where \(k\) is a field of characteristic zero. A \(k\)-derivation \(D\) of \(A\) is called locally nilpotent if for any \(a\in A\), there exists a positive integer \(n\) (depending on \(a\)) such that \(D^n(a)=0\). These have been matters of intense study [see for example, \textit{G. Freudenburg}, Algebraic theory of locally nilpotent derivations, Encycl. Math. 136, Springer (2006; Zbl 1121.13002)]. For any such \(D\) the kernel of \(D\) is a \(k\)-subalgebra of \(A\). The Makar-Limanov invariant by definition is the intersection of all such kernels for all locally nilpotent derivations of \(A\) and the Derksen invariant is the smallest \(k\)-subalgebra of \(A\) containing all these kernels. \textit{R. V. Gurjar, K. Masuda, M. Miyanishi} and \textit{P. Russell} [Can. J. Math. 60, No. 1, 109--139 (2008; Zbl 1137.14049)] asked whether there exists a finitely generated \(k\)-algebra whose Derksen invariant is not finitely generated. In the article under review, the author constructs such an example inspired by certain example of \textit{S. M. Bhatwadekar} and \textit{A. K. Dutta} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 349, No. 8, 3303--3319 (1997; Zbl 0883.13006)]. This is also an example where the Makar-Limanov invariant is not finitely generated, since the example has essentially only one locally nilpotent derivation and thus these two invariants coincide.