Ordered algebraic structures and classification of semifields

Abstract

Semifields are semirings in which every nonzero element has a multiplicative inverse. A rough classification uses the characteristic of the semifield, that is the isomorphism type of the semifield generated by the two neutral elements. For every characteristic, we provide a structure theorem that reduces the classification of semifields to the classification of better-known algebraic structures. Every semifield of characteristic $p$ is actually a field. There is an equivalence between semifields of characteristic one and lattice-ordered groups. Strict semifields of characteristic zero are quotients of cancellative semifields and there is an equivalence between concellative strict semifields and a particular class of partially ordered rings.