Skew group algebras in the representation theory of Artin algebras (Q800464)

Let \(R\) be an Artin algebra, \(G\) a finite group whose order is invertible in \(R\), \(G\to\Aut(R)\) a group homomorphism and \(RG\) the associated skew group algebra. In the last few years the importance of skew group algebras has been shown. In particular, \textit{S. M. Khoroshkin} [Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 15, No. 2, 50--60 (1981; Zbl 0463.22008)] showed that using skew group algebras one can reduce the well known Gelfand problem [see \textit{L. A. Nazarova} and \textit{A. V. Roĭter}, ibid. 7, No. 4, 54--69 (1973; Zbl 0375.15007)] on the classification of Harish-Chandra representations of the group \(\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb R)\) to a rather simple classification problem for a biserial algebra. In the paper one proves that \(R\) and \(RG\) have a lot of interesting common properties from the representation theoretical point of view. The results presented here show why some algebras which seem unrelated have common properties. It is shown that for finite groups the Galois coverings correspond in almost all characteristics (of the ground field) to the skew group algebra construction. Some parallel results for crossed product algebras are also proved. Moreover, many interesting examples illustrating the developed theory in detail are presented.