Tarski-type problems for free associative algebras

Abstract

In this paper we study fundamental model-theoretic questions for free associative algebras, namely, first-order classification, decidability of the first-order theory, and definability of the set of free bases. We show that two free associative algebras of finite rank over fields are elementarily equivalent if and only if their ranks are the same and the fields are equivalent in the weak second order logic. In particular, two free associative algebras of finite rank over the same field are elementarily equivalent if and only if they are isomorphic. We prove that if an arbitrary ring $B$ with at least one Noetherian proper centralizer is first-order equivalent to a free associative algebra of finite rank over an infinite field then $B$ is also a free associative algebra of finite rank over a field. This solves the elementary classification problem for free associative algebras in a wide class of rings. Finally, we present a formula of the ring language which defines the set of free bases in a free associative algebra of finite rank.