Reduced models of Albert algebras (Q5961412)

The only class of finite-dimensional simple Jordan algebras which has not been completely classified is the class of Albert algebras. These are either reduced (that is, with nontrivial idempotents) or division algebras. Given an Albert algebra \(J\) over a field \(k\), a field extension \(k'/k\) is said to be reducing in case \(J\otimes_kk'\) is reduced. By results due to \textit{J. P. Serre} [Résumé des cours de l'année 1990-91, Collège de France], \textit{M. Rost} [``A descent property for Pfister forms'', Preprint (1991)] and the authors of this paper [J. Algebra 174, 1049-1072 (1995; Zbl 0830.17016)], the existence of a reduced Albert algebra \(\widehat J\) over \(k\) such that \(J\otimes_kk'\) and \(\hat J\otimes_kk'\) are isotopic for any reducing field extension was known. In the paper under review this is considerably strengthened: a reduced Albert algebra \(\widetilde J\) (the reduced model) is explicitly described such that \(J\otimes_kk'\) and \(\widetilde J\otimes_kk'\) are isomorphic for any reducing field extension. This allows, in particular, to define the invariants mod 2 of \(J\), previously considered only for reduced algebras, also for Albert division algebras just as the invariants mod 2 of the reduced model. Interesting examples of Albert division algebras with nonvanishing invariants mod 2 are constructed, too.