Regular split embedding problems over complete valued fields (Q4392528)

The authors give a self-contained algebraic proof of the following main result: if \(K_0\) is a complete discrete valued field and \(x\) is transcendental over \(K_0\), then each finite constant split embedding problem over \(K_0(x)\) has a rational solution. This result was already obtained by \textit{F. Pop} using methods of rigid analytic geometry [Ann. Math. (2) 144, 1-34 (1996; Zbl 0862.12003)]. On the contrary, the algebraic proof given relies only on the patching principle and the theory of convergent power series over complete discrete valued fields, which were already dealt with by \textit{D. Haran} and \textit{H. Völklein} [Isr. J. Math. 93, 9-27 (1996; Zbl 0869.12006)]. Then, the authors define a field \(K\) to be ample when every absolutely irreducible variety over \(K\) with a simple \(K\)-rational point has infinitely many \(K\)-rational points (note that PAC fields are ample and that F. Pop uses the term `` large'' instead of `` ample''). A remarkable consequence of the main result is that each finite constant split embedding problem over \(K(x)\) has a rational solution when \(K\) is an ample field. Finally, it is shown that every separably Hilbertian PAC field \(K\) is \(\omega\)-free, which means that all finite embedding problems over \(K\) are solvable. This last result was already obtained by F. Pop [loc. cit.] and, in case \(\text{char}(K)=0\), by \textit{M. Fried} and \textit{H. Völklein} [Ann. Math. (2) 135, 469-481 (1992; Zbl 0765.12002)]; it implies that if, in addition, \(K\) is countable, then the absolute Galois group of \(K\) is the free profinite group on countably many elements.