Polynomial identities for 2\(\times 2\) matrices (Q753911)

Let K be a field of characteristic 0 and \(M_ k\) be the matrix algebra of order k over K. One of the topical problems in the theory of PI- algebras is to describe the polynomial identities for the algebras \(M_ k\). But this problem has been resolved (to a large extent) for the case \(k=2\) only. The present survey considers most of the (quantitative) results in this area which can be obtained without using invariant theory. The most effective tools for studying identities in \(M_ 2\) are the representations of the symmetric groups \(S_ n\) and of the general linear groups \(GL_ m\) and their connection. This connection was used first by the author of the survey [see Mat. Sb., Nov. Ser. 115, 98-115 (1981; Zbl 0465.17007)] and independently by \textit{A. Berele} [Isr. J. Math. 42, 258-272 (1982; Zbl 0522.16015)] and it has proved its usefulness. As a main application of these tools the author shows how to obtain a complete description of the \(GL_ m\)-module structure of the relatively free algebras in the variety var \(M_ 2\). The author follows his paper cited above. As another application of the methods considered the author shows how one can compute the cocharacters, codimensions and Hilbert series of the T- ideal \(T(M_ 2)\) (see, e.g. \textit{V. Drensky} [J. Algebra 91, 1-17 (1984; Zbl 0552.16006)], \textit{E. Formanek} [J. Algebra 89, 178-223 (1984; Zbl 0549.16008)]). Finally, it is presented a sketch of the solution of the problem of finding a minimal basis for the identities in \(M_ 2\) (see, e.g. \textit{V. S. Drensky} [Algebra Logika 20, 282-290 (1981; Zbl 0496.16017)]).