Klassifikation hermitescher Formen über lokalen Körpern (Q2536115)

Let \(K\) be a local field (i.e. \(K\) is complete with respect to a discrete valuation \(v\)) with residue class field \(k\) of characteristic 2. \textit{T. A. Springer} [Nederl. Akad. Wet., Proc., Ser. A 58, 352--362 (1955; Zbl 0067.27605)] has classified the quadratic forms over \(K\). The purpose of this paper is to extend Springer's result to the case of hermitian forms over a division ring \(D\), finite-dimensional over its center \(K\), with an involution of first or second kind. The valuation \(v\) can be uniquely extended to a valuation of \(D\), also denoted by \(v\). Let \(R_D=\{d\in D\mid v(d)\geq 0\}\), \(\mathfrak p_D = \{d\in D\mid v(d)>0\}\). Then, \(\mathfrak D=R_D/\mathfrak p_D\) is a division ring, the center \(k'\) of which is finite over \(k\). \(J\) induces an involution \(\overline J\) on \(\mathfrak D\). Let \(t\) be a \(J\)-symmetric uniformizing element of \(D\), i.e. \(v(t)\) minimal \(>0\). Then \(J_t: d\mapsto t d^Jt^{-1}\) is also an involution. The main result, including Springer's result as a special case, says the Witt group \(W(D,J)\) is isomorphic to \(W(\mathfrak D,\overline J)+W((\mathfrak D,\overline J_t)\), except for two cases where there is no uniformizing symmetric \(t\). This isomorphism can be defined as follows: Given an anisotropic form \(\langle a_1,\ldots,a_n,tb_1,\ldots,tb_n\rangle\) in diagonal form such that \(v(a_i)=v(b_j)=0\). Then \(\bar h_1=\langle \bar a_1,\ldots,\bar a_n\rangle\) is an hermitian form over \((\mathfrak D,\overline J)\), and \(\bar h_2=\langle \bar b_1,\ldots,\bar b_n\rangle\) is an hermitian form over \((\mathfrak D,\overline J_t)\). The isomorphism above is defined by \(h\mapsto (\bar h_1,\bar h_2)\). The paper is concluded by a closer inspection of the reduction of \((D,J)\) to \((\mathfrak D,\overline J)\) and \((\mathfrak D,\overline J_t)\).