Deformation classes of graded modules and maximal Betti numbers (Q678935)

Let \(k\) be an infinite field and \(S:= k[x_1, \dots, x_n]\) the polynomial ring in \(n\) variables over \(k\). The author considers deformation classes of finitely generated graded modules over \(S\) and shows that each class consists of all the modules with a given Hilbert function. The main technique in the paper is a refinement of a technique of \textit{A. Reeves} (that only worked in characteristic zero), which in turn is a refinement of techniques of Hartshorne. Furthermore, it is shown that among all quotients of a fixed free graded module \(F\) with the same Hilbert function the quotient corresponding to the lexicographic submodule of \(F\) has the largest graded Betti numbers. In the characteristic zero case this result was obtained earlier by \textit{A. Bigatti} and \textit{H. Hulett}. The argument given by the author works for any field, including finite fields.