Automorphic orbit problem for polynomial algebras (Q2475071)

Let \(p\) be a nonconstant polynomial in the polynomial algebra \({\mathbb C}[x,y]\) and let \(\phi\) be an endomorphism of \({\mathbb C}[x,y]\). The main result of the paper under review is the following. If \(\phi\) preserves the orbit of \(p\) under the automorphism group of \({\mathbb C}[x,y]\), i.e., \(\phi(\Aut({\mathbb C}[x,y])(p))\subseteq\Aut({\mathbb C}[x,y])(p)\), then \(\phi\) is an automorphism of \({\mathbb C}[x,y]\). The problem whether an endomorphism which preserves the automorphic orbit of an element is an automorphism was asked first by Shpilrain for free groups. It is solved affirmatively in many cases -- for free groups, free Lie algebras, free nonassociative algebras. A weaker version of the problem, whether an endomorphism which sends coordinates to coordinates is an automorphism was solved also affirmatively for polynomial algebras over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0. The proof of the main result of the present paper uses the description of test polynomials and retracts of \({\mathbb C}[x,y]\).