On polynomial identities in nil-algebras. (Q941937)

The paper under review surveys several new results concerning non-finitely based T-ideals, that is ideals of identities in the free associative algebra which do not admit any finite generating set. According to Kemer's celebrated theory every T-ideal in characteristic 0 is finitely based. On the other hand, \textit{A. Ya. Belov} [Fundam. Prikl. Mat. 5, No. 1, 47-66 (1999; Zbl 0964.16024)], \textit{A. V. Grishin} [ibid. 5, No. 1, 101-118 (1999; Zbl 1015.16022)], and \textit{V. V. Shchigolev} [ibid. 5, No. 1, 307-312 (1999; Zbl 0968.16008)] constructed non-finitely based T-ideals in positive characteristic. Recall that Grishin's example was in characteristic 2; more precisely he constructed a non-finitely based T-ideal containing the polynomial \(x^{32}\). Furthermore, Shchigolev in characteristic \(p>2\) substituted the above polynomial by \(x^{2p^3(2p+1)}\). Therefore both examples were of nil algebras of bounded index. Thus the problem of finding the least nil index of a nil non-finitely based variety of algebras is of interest. The main results obtained in the paper are as follows. It is constructed a variety of algebras over a field of characteristic \(p>2\) that satisfies the identity \(x^{2p}\) and that is not finitely based. Furthermore, when \(p=3\) it is given an example of a variety satisfying \(x^{12}\) that is not finitely based. Another example of a non-finitely based nil variety is given as well. It satisfies \(x^{6p}\) and although this bound is worse than \(2p\) the construction seems more natural. It should be mentioned that almost all of the results of the paper have already been published. But they appeared mainly in Russian and in several journals not readily available; thus the translation and compilation should be of interest to the specialists.