Azumaya algebras and rings with polynomial identity

Abstract

The Formanek polynomial gives an explicit expression for the calculation of central elements in a prime ring with polynomial identity, in such a form as to provide a set of linear maps of the ring into its centre. This note makes use of properties of these maps with the object of giving a direct proof of the remarkable theorem of M. Artin on the relationship between Azumaya algebras and rings with polynomial identities. We show that such a central map can be chosen to have some of the crucial properties of the reduced trace in matrices, notably that of non-degeneracy, and our proof of the theorem rests on these properties. The method can also be used for the study of prime PI rings in general; this is illustrated by giving new proofs of theorems of Formanek and Cauchon. The changes of proof essentially amount to the elimination of the need for a change of rings to obtain a split extension in simple algebras. The main theorem is the following.