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In greater detail, given a finite-dimensional Vector Space V we can consider the Symmetric Algebra S(V), and the action on it of GL(V). It is actually more accurate to consider the Projective Representation of GL(V), if we are going to speak of ''invariants'': that's because a scalar multiple of the identity will act on a tensor of rank r in S(V) through the r-th power 'weight' of the scalar. The point is then to define the subalgebra of invariants I(V) for the (projective) action. We are, in classical language, looking at n-ary r-ics, where n is the dimension of V.

These days it might be more natural to look to decompose the degree r part of S(V) into .

To give the broader picture: what was actually studied in the classical phase of invariant theory related in fact to

  • )


  • is the Dual Vector Space to V. That is, the invariants as polynomials involved a ''contragredient'' set of coordinates, transforming in a dual fashion.


It is customary to say that the work of , more than 50 years later. Explicit calculations for particular purposes have been known in modern times (for example Shioda, with the binary octavics).

The modern formulation of Geometric Invariant Theory is due to David Mumford , and emphasizes the construction of a quotient by the group action that should capture invariant information through its coordinate ring. It is a subtle theory, in that success is obtained by excluding some 'bad' orbits and identifying others with 'good' orbits. In a separate development the Symbolic Method Of Invariant Theory , an apparently heuristic combinatorial notation, has been rehabilitated.


SEE ALSO




REFERENCES


  • 1 A recent resource for learning about modular invariants of finite groups.


  • 2 An undergraduate level introduction to the classical theory of invariants of binary forms (but not the Omega Process !).



  • 4 A beautiful introduction to the theory of invariants of finite groups and techniques for computing them using Gröbner bases.


  • 5 An older but still useful survey.


  • 6 A classic monograph.