Morita equivalence for $k$-algebras

Abstract

We review Morita equivalence for finite type $k$-algebras $A$ and also a weakening of Morita equivalence which we call stratified equivalence. The spectrum of $A$ is the set of equivalence classes of irreducible $A$-modules. For any finite type $k$-algebra $A$, the spectrum of $A$ is in bijection with the set of primitive ideals of $A$. The stratified equivalence relation preserves the spectrum of $A$ and also preserves the periodic cyclic homology of $A$. However, the stratified equivalence relation permits a tearing apart of strata in the primitive ideal space which is not allowed by Morita equivalence. A key example illustrating the distinction between Morita equivalence and stratified equivalence is provided by affine Hecke algebras associated to extended affine Weyl groups.

23 pages. This version is shorter, more readable, has a new title, and supersedes appendix A in arXiv:1505.04361 and arXiv:1211.0180