Group gradings on diagonal algebras. (Q998811)

Let \(K\) be an arbitrary field. Let \(A\) be an algebra over \(K\). If \(G\) is a multiplicative group with neutral element \(e\), then a \(G\)-grading on \(A\) is a decomposition \(A=\bigoplus_{g\in G}A_g\) as a direct sum of \(K\)-subspaces such that \(A_gA_h\subseteq A_{gh}\) for any \(g,h\in G\). The support \(\text{supp}(A)\) of the grading consists of all those \(g\in G\) such that \(A_g\neq 0\). The grading is called faithful if \(\text{supp}(A)\) generates the group \(G\). Any grading can be reduced to a faithful grading if we restrict it to the subgroup generated by the support. The grading is called ergodic if \(\dim(A_e)=1\). Group gradings on certain matrix algebras have been considered during recent years. Gradings on full matrix algebras and on upper triangular matrix algebra have been studied. \textit{J. Bichon} [in Asian-Eur. J. Math. 1, No. 1, 1-13 (2008; Zbl 1170.16028)] proved that there exists a Hopf algebra coaction on the diagonal algebra \(K^n\) which is universal in a large class of Hopf algebras. Moreover, for an algebraically closed \(K\) of characteristic zero, coactions of group algebras on \(K^n\) which are just group gradings on the diagonal algebra \(K^n\) are described. In the paper under review, all group gradings on the diagonal \(K^n\) are described, where \(K\) is an arbitrary field. The approach is ring theoretical and Hopf algebra techniques are not used. Ergodic gradings are classified and the structure of faithful gradings is completely described.