On subruled function fields (Q6907741)

Let \(K\) be a finitely generated extension of a field \(k\). If there exists a simple transcendental extension \(E(t)\) of some field \(E\) that is finitely generated over \(k\) such that \(K\subset E(t)\) and \(K\not\subset E\), then \(K/k\) is said to be subruled (or \(K\) is subruled over \(k\)). Furthermore, if \(E(t)\) is separable over \(K\), then \(K/k\) is said to be separably subruled. Also, if \(E(t)\) is algebraic (resp. separably algebraic) over \(K\), then \(K/k\) is uniruled (resp. separably uniruled). In the case where \(k\) is infinite, [\textit{J. Ohm}, Sémin. Théor. Nombres Bordx., Sér. II 1, No. 1, 27--49 (1989; Zbl 0731.12001), Theorem 6.4]), relying on the Ruled Residue Theorem of [\textit{J. Ohm}, Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 89, 16--18 (1983; Zbl 0523.12021)] along with a key lemma whose proof is attributed to H. W. Lenstra, showed that separability is preserved in passing from subruledness to uniruledness (i.e., ``Separably subruled'' = ``separably uniruled'' (for \(k\) infinite)). In particular, he asked, in very brief terms, whether the fundamental assumption (the infinitude of \(k\)) is a necessary condition for the coincidence of these two notions. \N\NIn the same vein, the main goal of this paper (under review) is to answer Ohm's question affirmatively by providing an alternative proof of Ohm's theorem that is valid for all ground field \(k\), finite or infinite. In general, the proof follows the main outlines of relevant arguments presented in [\textit{J. Ohm}, (1989; loc. cit.)].