Simultaneous similarity and triangularization of sets of 2 by 2 matrices

Let $\mathcal{A}=(A_{1},...,A_{n},...)$ be a finite or infinite sequence of $2\times2$ matrices with entries in an integral domain. We show that, except for a very special case, $\mathcal{A}$ is (simultaneously) triangularizable if and only if all pairs $(A_{j},A_{k})$ are triangularizable, for $1\leq j,k\leq\infty$. We also provide a simple numerical criterion for triangularization. Using constructive methods in invariant theory, we define a map (with the minimal number of invariants) that distinguishes simultaneous similarity classes for non-commutative sequences over a field of characteristic $\neq2$. We also describe canonical forms for sequences of $2\times2$ matrices over algebraically closed fields, and give a method for finding sequences with a given set of invariants.Comment: 22 page

Vector bundles and torsion free sheaves on degenerations of elliptic curves

In this paper we give a survey about the classification of vector bundles and torsion free sheaves on degenerations of elliptic curves. Coherent sheaves on singular curves of arithmetic genus one can be studied using the technique of matrix problems or via Fourier-Mukai transforms, both methods are discussed here. Moreover, we include new proofs of some classical results about vector bundles on elliptic curves.Comment: 39 pages, 5 figure

On periodicity in bounded projective resolutions

Let A be a self-injective algebra over an algebraically closed field k. We show that if an A-module M of complexity one has an open orbit in the variety of d-dimensional A-modules, then M is periodic. As a corollary we see that any simple A-module of complexity one must be periodic. In the course of the proof, we also show that modules with open orbits are preserved by stable equivalences of Morita type between self-injective algebras

Flexible varieties and automorphism groups

Given an affine algebraic variety X of dimension at least 2, we let SAut (X) denote the special automorphism group of X i.e., the subgroup of the full automorphism group Aut (X) generated by all one-parameter unipotent subgroups. We show that if SAut (X) is transitive on the smooth locus of X then it is infinitely transitive on this locus. In turn, the transitivity is equivalent to the flexibility of X. The latter means that for every smooth point x of X the tangent space at x is spanned by the velocity vectors of one-parameter unipotent subgroups of Aut (X). We provide also different variations and applications.Comment: Final version; to appear in Duke Math.