Invariant for Sets of Pfister Forms

Abstract

We associate an $(n_1+\cdots +n_t-k(t-1))$-fold Pfister form to any $t$-tuple of $k$-linked Pfister forms of dimensions $2^{n_1},\dots ,2^{n_t}$, and prove its invariance under the different symbol presentations of the forms with a common $k$-fold sub-symbol. We then show that it vanishes when the forms are actually $(k+1)$-linked or when the characteristic is 2 and the forms are inseparably $k$-linked. We study whether the converse statements hold or not.