Test modules, weakly regular homomorphisms and complete intersection dimension (Q6144937)

Let \(R\) be a commutative Noetherian local ring. A finitely generated \(R\)-module \(T\) is called a test module over \(R\) if every \(R\)-module \(M\) with \(\mbox{Tor}_{\gg 0}(T,M)=0\), has finite projective dimension over \(R\). For example, the residue field of a local ring is a test module. \textit{O. Celikbas} et al. [Kyoto J. Math. 54, No. 2, 295--310 (2014; Zbl 1337.13011)] show that if a local ring \(R\) admits a test module of finite \(G\)-dimension, then \(R\) is Gorenstein. In this paper, the author proves the analogous result for \(CI\)-dimension and shows that if \(R\) is a local ring and \(T\) a test module for \(R\) such that \(\mbox{CI-dim}_R(T) < \infty\), then \(R\) is complete intersection. In order to prove the main theorem, the author also establishes results about test modules that are also independently interesting. In particular, the author proves the following. Let \(\phi:(R, \mathfrak{m})\to (S, \mathfrak{n})\) be a flat local homomorphism with regular fiber \(S/\mathfrak{m} S\), and assume that \(T\) is a test module for \(R\). If the residue field of \(R\) is uncountable or \(\mbox{CI-dim}_R(T) < \infty\), then \(T\otimes_RS\) is a test module for \(S\).