Group algebras whose units satisfy a Laurent Polynomial Identity

Abstract

Let $KG$ be the group algebra of a torsion group $G$ over a field $K$. We show that if the units of $KG$ satisfy a Laurent polynomial identity which is not satisfied by the units of the relative free algebra $K[\alpha,\beta : \alpha^2=\beta^2=0]$ then $KG$ satisfies a polynomial identity. This extends Hartley Conjecture which states that if the units of $KG$ satisfies a group identity then $KG$ satisfies a polynomial identity. As an application of our results we prove that if the units of $KG$ satisfies a Laurent polynomial identity with a support of cardinality at most 3 then $KG$ satisfies a polynomial identity.