Dimension filtrations in birational localisation

Abstract

Let \(S_b\) be the class of birational morphisms between smooth varieties over a field \(F\), and let \(L_n=S_b^{-1}d_{\leq n}\Sm(F)\). Kahn and Sujatha asked whether the natural functor \(L_n\to S_b^{-1}\Sm(F)\) is fully faithful. We prove that it is fully faithful exactly for \(n=0\). More strongly, for every \(n\geq1\) and every \(N\geq n+1\), the transition functor \(L_n\to L_N\) has an infinite fibre on an endomorphism set. The proof identifies a sharp dimension threshold: if \(\dim X+r\leq n\), then \(X\times\mathbb A^r\to X\) is invertible in \(L_n\) precisely when \(\dim X+r\leq n-1\). We also give proper and projective analogues.