Hypersurfaces in modular invariant theory (Q858731)

Let \(V\) be an \(n\)-dimensional vector space over a field \(k\) of prime characteristic. Let \(k[V]=k[x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n]\) be the polynomial algebra, graded so that every indeterminate has positive degree. Let \(G\) be a finite group acting on \(k[V]\) by graded \(k\)-algebra automorphisms and let \(k[V]^G\) be the invariant ring. Finally let \(H\) be a normal subgroup of \(G\) of prime index. The author presents sufficient conditions for \(k[V]^H\) to be a hypersurface algebra, i.e., to be generated by a single homogeneous element over \(k[V]^G\). A consequence is that if \(k[V]^G\) is a polynomial algebra and \(k[V]^H\) is factorial, then \(k[V]^H\) is a graded hypersurface algebra.