Almost split sequences in categories of representations of quivers (Q4523191)

The author proves the following result: If \(Q\) is a finite, connected quiver, and \(k\) is any field, then \(fd(kQ)\), the category of finite dimensional representations of \(Q\) over \(k\) has almost split sequences if and only if \(Q\) contains no oriented cycles or \(Q\) is \(\widetilde\mathbb{A}_n\), for some \(n\) with cyclic orientation. The almost split sequences are one of the most important tools in the study of module-categories or finite dimensional representations. The proof is done, considering that -- for a quiver \(Q\) that contains no oriented cycles, \(kQ\) is in fact a finite dimensional hereditary \(k\)-algebra, -- if \(Q\) contains an oriented cycle, there are families of simple modules, the discrete and the continuous ones. In the case \(Q\) is \(\widetilde\mathbb{A}_n\), he constructs the almost split sequences.