A note on Clifford algebras and central division algebras with involution

Abstract

In this note we consider the question as to which central division algebras occur as the Clifford algebra of a quadratic form over a field. Non-commutative ones other than quaternion division algebras can occur and it is also the case that there are certain central division algebras D which, while not themselves occurring as a Clifford algebra, are such that some matrix ring over D does occur as a Clifford algebra. We also consider the further question as to which involutions on the division algebra can occur as one of two natural involutions on the Clifford algebra.