A note on automorphisms of prime and semiprime rings. (Q818022)

Let \(R\) be a semiprime ring with center \(Z\), and let \(f\colon R\to R\) be a centralizing automorphism of \(R\) -- i.e., an automorphism such that \([f(x),x]\in Z\) for all \(x\in R\). Such maps have been studied by several authors over the last thirty years. The authors show that \((f(x)-x)[y,z]=[y,z](f(x)-x)=0\) and \(f(x)-x\in Z\) for all \(x,y,z\in R\); and they use this result to prove a theorem of \textit{J. H. Mayne} [Can. Math. Bull. 19, 113-115 (1976; Zbl 0339.16009)], which states that a prime ring admitting a nontrivial centralizing automorphism must be commutative. They also prove that any dependent element of \(f\) -- i.e., an element \(a\in R\) such that \(f(x)a=ax\) for all \(x\in R\) -- is central. \{The results and proofs hold if \(f\) is merely assumed to be an epimorphism.\}