On the theory of division algebras (Q803242)

The article presents the theory of division algebras of finite dimension over the center, considered from a nontraditional viewpoint. Focusing attention on the division algebras themselves (rather than simple algebras), the author uses theorems from linear algebra about matrix rings and tensor products to present new and simpler proofs for several of the basic structural theorems of the theory. The main results are: (1) If D is a division algebra, finite-dimensional over its center k, K is a separable splitting field contained in D with [D : K]\(=[K : k]=n\), and L is the Galois closure of K, viewed as embedded in \(A=M_ r(D)\) (where [L : K]\(=r)\), then there exists a basis for A over L indexed over the Galois group of L over K, \(\{u_{\sigma}|\sigma \in Aut_ K(L)\}\), such that for all \(\sigma \in Aut_ K(L)\) and \(\alpha\in L\), \(\alpha^{\sigma}u_{\sigma}=u_{\sigma}\alpha\), each \(u_{\sigma}\) is invertible in A, and \(u_{\sigma}u_{\tau}=\Gamma_{\sigma,\tau}u_{\sigma \tau}\) for some \(\Gamma_{\sigma,\tau}\) in the multiplicative group of L; (2) \(A\cong End_ k(L)\) if and only if the basis can be chosen in such a way that \(u_{\sigma}u_{\tau}=u_{\sigma \tau}\); and as a corollary, (3) there are no nontrivial division algebras over a finite field (so all finite division algebras are fields).