Almost split sequences in tri-exact categories

Abstract

We study the existence of almost split sequences in tri-exact categories, that is, extension-closed subcategories of triangulated categories. Our results unify and extend a number of existence theorems for almost split sequences in abelian categories and exact categories (that is, extension-closed subcategories of abelian categories), and those for almost split triangles in triangulated categories by numerous researchers. As applications, we obtain some new results on the existence of almost split triangles in the derived categories of all modules over an algebra with a unity or a locally finite dimensional algebra given by a quiver with relations.