An existential 0-definition of F_q[[t]] in F_q((t))

We show that the valuation ring F_q[[t]] in the local field F_q((t)) is existentially definable in the language of rings with no parameters. The method is to use the definition of the henselian topology following the work of Prestel-Ziegler to give an existential-F_q-definable bounded neighbouhood of 0. Then we `tweak' this set by subtracting, taking roots, and applying Hensel's Lemma in order to find an existential-F_q-definable subset of F_q[[t]] which contains tF_q[[t]]. Finally, we use the fact that F_q is defined by the formula x^q-x=0 to extend the definition to the whole of F_q[[t]] and to rid the definition of parameters. Several extensions of the theorem are obtained, notably an existential 0-definition of the valuation ring of a non-trivial valuation with divisible value group.Comment: 9 page

Some Definability Results in Abstract Kummer Theory

Let $S$ be a semiabelian variety over an algebraically closed field, and let $X$ be an irreducible subvariety not contained in a coset of a proper algebraic subgroup of $S$. We show that the number of irreducible components of $[n]^{-1}(X)$ is bounded uniformly in $n$, and moreover that the bound is uniform in families $X_t$. We prove this by purely Galois-theoretic methods. This proof applies in the more general context of divisible abelian groups of finite Morley rank. In this latter context, we deduce a definability result under the assumption of the Definable Multiplicity Property (DMP). We give sufficient conditions for finite Morley rank groups to have the DMP, and hence give examples where our definability result holds.Comment: 21 pages; minor notational fixe

Generic Automorphisms and Green Fields

We show that the generic automorphism is axiomatisable in the green field of Poizat (once Morleyised) as well as in the bad fields which are obtained by collapsing this green field to finite Morley rank. As a corollary, we obtain "bad pseudofinite fields" in characteristic 0. In both cases, we give geometric axioms. In fact, a general framework is presented allowing this kind of axiomatisation. We deduce from various constructibility results for algebraic varieties in characteristic 0 that the green and bad fields fall into this framework. Finally, we give similar results for other theories obtained by Hrushovski amalgamation, e.g. the free fusion of two strongly minimal theories having the definable multiplicity property. We also close a gap in the construction of the bad field, showing that the codes may be chosen to be families of strongly minimal sets.Comment: Some minor changes; new: a result of the paper (Cor 4.8) closes a gap in the construction of the bad fiel

External definability and groups in NIP theories

We prove that many properties and invariants of definable groups in NIP theories, such as definable amenability, G/G^{00}, etc., are preserved when passing to the theory of the Shelah expansion by externally definable sets, M^{ext}, of a model M. In the light of these results we continue the study of the "definable topological dynamics" of groups in NIP theories. In particular we prove the Ellis group conjecture relating the Ellis group to G/G^{00} in some new cases, including definably amenable groups in o-minimal structures.Comment: 28 pages. Introduction was expanded and some minor mistakes were corrected. Journal of the London Mathematical Society, accepte