Unitary SK_1 of semiramified graded and valued division algebras

We prove formulas for the unitary SK_1 of a semiramified graded division algebra (or valued division algebra over a Henselian field) with a unitary involution. These formulas generalize earlier formulas of Yanchevskii, (and Platonov and Ershov for the nonunitary SK_1).Comment: 34 pages. Correction in References in v.

Valuations on Algebras with Involution

Let A be a central simple algebra with involution sigma of first or second kind. Let v be a valuation on the sigma-fixed part F of Z(A). A sigma-special v-gauge g on A is a kind of value function on A extending v on F, such that g(sigma(x) x) = 2g(x) for all x in A. It is shown (under certain restrictions if the residue characteristic is 2) that if v is Henselian, then there is a sigma-special v-gauge g if and only if sigma is anisotropic, and g is unique. If v is not Henselian, it is shown that there is a sigma-special v-gauge g if and only if sigma remains anisotropic after scalar extension from F to the Henselization of F re v; when this occurs, g is the unique sigma-invariant v-gauge on A.Comment: 27 page