On pairs of matrices generating matrix rings and their presentations. (Q876332)

Let \(M_n(\mathbb{Z})\) be the \(n\times n\) matrix ring over the integers, and let \(G_n(\mathbb{Z})\) be the set of pairs of matrices that generate \(M_n(\mathbb{Z})\) as a ring. The authors construct a few presentations of \(M_n(\mathbb{Z})\) with generators \(X=\sum_{i=1}^nE_{i+1,i}\), \(Y=E_{11}\). They deduce that the finite direct sum of several matrix algebras over the rationals admit presentations with two generators and finitely many relations. If one considers the same question over the integers then one cannot repeat a matrix algebra more than 3 times. Let \(D\) be a (commutative) domain of large characteristic. Suppose that the finitely generated projective \(D\)-modules are free. The authors make use of 4 relations for the above \(X\) and \(Y\) in order to describe the representations of \(M_n(D)\) into \(M_m(D)\) for \(m\geq n\). Furthermore, some information about the asymptotic behaviour of \(G_n\), over various fields and over the integers is obtained as well.