Cable algebras and rings of $G_a$-invariants

Abstract

For a field $k$, the ring of invariants of an action of the unipotent $k$-group $G_a$ on an affine $k$-variety is quasi-affine, but not generally affine. Cable algebras are introduced as a framework for studying these invariant rings. It is shown that the ring of invariants for the $G_a$-action on $A^5_k$ constructed by Daigle and Freudenburg is a monogenetic cable algebra. A generating cable is constructed for this ring, and a complete set of relations is given as a prime ideal in the infinite polynomial ring over $k$. In addition, it is shown that the ring of invariants for the well-known $G_a$-action on $A^7_k$ due to Roberts is a cable algebra.