Representability of algebras finite over their centers. (Q493014)

Let \(C\) be an associative and commutative ring, and let \(R\) be a unital \(C\)-algebra. Then \(R\) is weakly representable if \(R\) is embeddable into \(M_n(K)\) for some \(n\) and for some commutative \(C\)-algebra \(K\). If \(K\) can be taken a field then \(R\) is representable. Assume \(Z\) is a central subalgebra of \(R\); if the field \(K\) from above can be chosen as a subalgebra of \(S^{-1}Z\) for some multiplicative submonoid \(S\) of \(Z\) and \(S^{-1}R\) is f.d. over \(K\) then \(R\) is strongly representable. Keeping the notation above, \(R\) (as a \(Z\)-algebra) satisfies the \(Z\)-extended ACC if it satisfies the ACC on ideals of the type \(RI\), \(I\triangleleft Z\). The authors prove their Theorem B: If \(R\) is an algebra over a field \(F\), finitely presented as a \(Z\)-module, and satisfies the ACC on annihilators of elements in \(Z\) then \(R\) is representable (as an algebra over \(F\)). They also obtain (Theorem C) that if \(R\) is PI, left Noetherian, f.g. over \(Z\), and \(Z\) contains a field \(F\) then \(R\) is representable as an \(F\)-algebra. The authors establish several results about the structure of PI rings. They prove that a semiprimary algebra \(R\) that is f.g. over a commutative and Noetherian Jacobson ring \(C\), is finite over \(C\). Moreover, if \(R\) is an irreducible algebra over some central subalgebra then \(R\) can be embedded into an irreducible algebra that is finite over a local central subalgebra. In several cases the authors show that the conditions imposed on the algebras cannot be weakened, or at least cannot be weakened too much. The paper abounds with historical remarks and comments that will be also of interest to anybody studying PI algebras and related topics.