Multiplicative invariants and semigroup algebras (Q5951636)

Suppose that a finite group \(G\) acts on a free Abelian group \(A\) of finite rank and hence also on the group algebra \(k[A]\), where \(k\) is a commutative ring. The focus of interest of this article lies in the invariant ring \(R = k[A]^G\), which is usually called a ring of multiplicative invariants. A natural question is the following: When is \(R\) again a semigroup ring, i.e., \(R \cong k[M]\) with \(M\) a monoid? As the author points out, this question is analogous to the classical question in ordinary invariant theory when the invariant ring of a group acting linearly is isomorphic to a polynomial ring. The bulk of the paper consists of a new proof of a result that is implicit in work of Farkas cited in the paper [\textit{D. R. Farkas}, Rocky Mt. J. Math. 16, 215-222 (1986; Zbl 0603.20046)]. This result states that if \(G\) is generated by reflections, then \(R\) is a semigroup ring. In addition, an explicit description of the monoid \(M\) with \(R \cong k[M]\) is given. This description uses the root system associated to \(G\). The article closes with a number of explicit examples. Apart from presenting a new and explicit proof, the paper also provides a nice introduction into multiplicative invariant theory.