Rees algebras on smooth schemes: integral closure and higher differential operators

Abstract

Let $V$ be a smooth scheme over a field $k$, and let $\{I_n, n\geq 0\}$ be a filtration of sheaves of ideals in $\calo_V$, such that $I_0=\calo_V$, and $I_s\cdot I_t\subset I_{s+t}$. In such case $\bigoplus I_n$ is called a Rees algebra. A Rees algebra is said to be a Diff-algebra if, for any two integers $N>n$ and any differential operator $D$ of order $n$, $D(I_N)\subset I_{N-n}$. Any Rees algebra extends to a smallest Diff-algebra. There are two ways to define extensions of Rees algebras, and both are of interest in singularity theory. One is that defined by taking integral closures (in which a Rees algebra is included in its integral closure), and another extension is that defined, as above, in which the algebra is extended to a Diff-algebra. Surprisingly enough, both forms of extension are compatible in a natural way. Namely, there is a compatibility of higher differential operators with integral closure which we explore here under the assumption that $V$ is smooth over a perfect field.