Structure and detection theorems for \(k[C_2\times C_4]\)-modules. (Q991586)

Summary: Let \(k[G]\) be the group algebra, where \(G\) is a finite Abelian \(p\)-group and \(k\) is a field of characteristic \(p\). A complete classification of finitely generated \(k[G]\)-modules is available only when \(G\) is cyclic, \(C_{p^n}\), or \(C_2\times C_2\). Tackling the first interesting case, namely modules over \(k[C_2\times C_4]\), some structure theorems revealing the differences between elementary and non-elementary Abelian group cases are obtained. The shifted cyclic subgroups of \(k[C_2\times C_4]\) are characterized. Using the direct sum decompositions of the restrictions of a \(k[C_2\times C_2]\)-module \(M\) to shifted cyclic subgroups we define the set of multiplicities of \(M\). It is an invariant richer than the rank variety. Certain types of \(k[C_2\times C_4]\)-modules having the same rank variety as \(k[C_2\times C_2]\)-modules can be detected by the set of multiplicities, where \(C_2\times C_2\) is the unique maximal elementary Abelian subgroup of \(C_2\times C_4\).