Almost split sequences and approximations (Q2637780)

In this paper, the authors give characterizations of almost split sequence in an exact category, in terms of linear forms on the stable endomorphism algebras of its end terms. The characterizations yield necessary and sufficient conditions for an exact category to have an almost split sequence with two prescribed end terms. Then, the authors obtain the relation between the almost split sequences in an exact category and those in its exact subcategories. As an application, given any torsion theory in an exact category having almost split sequences, they show that the torsion subcategory has right almost split sequences and the torsion-free subcategory has left almost split sequences. The authors also apply the results to give a new proof of the existence theorem of almost split sequences in the category of finitely presented representations of an infinite quiver.