Extensions of integral domains and quasi-valuations

Abstract

Let $S$ be an integral domain with field of fractions $F$ and let $A$ be an $F$-algebra having an $S$-stable basis. We prove the existence of an $S$-subalgebra $R$ of $A$ lying over $S$ whose localization with respect to $S$ is $A$ (we call such $R$ an $S$-nice subalgebra of $A$). We also show that there is no such minimal $S$-nice subalgebra of $A$. Given a valuation $v$ on $F$ with a corresponding valuation domain $O_v$, and an $O_v$-stable basis of $A$ over $F$, we prove the existence of a quasi-valuation on $A$ extending $v$ on $F$. Moreover, we prove the existence of an infinite decreasing chain of quasi-valuations on $A$, all of which extend $v$. Finally, we present applications for the above existence theorems; for example, we show that if $A$ is commutative and $\mathcal C$ is any chain of prime ideals of $S$, then there exists an $S$-nice subalgebra of $A$, having a chain of prime ideals covering $\mathcal C$.