Group actions, $k$-derivations and finite morphisms

Abstract

Let $G$ be an affine algebraic group over an algebraically closed field $k$ of characteristic zero. In this paper, we consider finite $G$-equivariant morphisms $F:X\to Y$ of irreducible affine $G$-varieties. First we determine under which conditions on $Y$ the induced map $F^G:X//G\to Y//G$ of quotient varieties is also finite. This result is reformulated in terms of kernels of derivations on $k$-algebras $A\subset B$ such that $B$ is integral over $A$. Second we construct explicitly two examples of finite $G$-equivariant maps $F$. In the first one, $F^G$ is quasifinite but not finite. In the second one, $F^G$ is not even quasifinite.