Classifying representations by way of Grassmannians

Let $\Lambda$ be a finite dimensional algebra over an algebraically closed field. Criteria are given which characterize existence of a fine or coarse moduli space classifying, up to isomorphism, the representations of $\Lambda$ with fixed dimension $d$ and fixed squarefree top $T$. Next to providing a complete theoretical picture, some of these equivalent conditions are readily checkable from quiver and relations. In case of existence of a moduli space -- unexpectedly frequent in light of the stringency of fine classification -- this space is always projective and, in fact, arises as a closed subvariety ${\mathfrak{Grass}}^T_d$ of a classical Grassmannian. Even when the full moduli problem fails to be solvable, the variety ${\mathfrak{Grass}}^T_d$ is seen to have distinctive properties recommending it as a substitute for a moduli space. As an application, a characterization of the algebras having only finitely many representations with fixed simple top is obtained; in this case of `finite local representation type at a given simple $T$', the radical layering $\bigl( J^lM/ J^{l+1}M \bigr)_{l \ge 0}$ is shown to be a classifying invariant for the modules with top $T$. This relies on the following general fact obtained as a byproduct: Proper degenerations of a local module $M$ never have the same radical layering as $M$

Top-stable degenerations of finite dimensional representations I

Given a finite dimensional representation $M$ of a finite dimensional algebra, two hierarchies of degenerations of $M$ are analyzed in the context of their natural orders: the poset of those degenerations of $M$ which share the top $M/JM$ with $M$ - here $J$ denotes the radical of the algebra - and the sub-poset of those which share the full radical layering $\bigl(J^lM/J^{l+1}M\bigr)_{l \ge 0}$ with $M$. In particular, the article addresses existence of proper top-stable or layer-stable degenerations - more generally, it addresses the sizes of the corresponding posets including bounds on the lengths of saturated chains - as well as structure and classification

The phantom menace in representation theory

Our principal goal in this overview is to explain and motivate the concept of a phantom in the representation theory of a finite dimensional algebra $\Lambda$. In particular, we exhibit the key role of phantoms towards understanding how a full subcategory $\cal A$ of the category $\Lambda\text{-mod}$ of all finitely generated left $\Lambda$-modules is embedded into $\Lambda\text{-mod}$, in terms of maps leaving or entering $\cal A$. Contents: 1. Introduction and prerequisites; 2. Contravariant finiteness and first examples; 3. Homological importance of contravariant finiteness and a model application of the theory; 4. Phantoms. Definitions, existence, and basic properties; 5. An application: Phantoms over string algebras

Kinetics and mechanism of the conversion of cyclobutenones to vinylketens

The structure–rate relationships for the electrocyclic ring opening of phenylated and alkylated cyclobutenones to vinylketens, though not fully understood, resemble those which are observed in cyclobutene ring openings