Analytic spread and non-vanishing of asymptotic depth

Abstract

AbstractLetSbe a polynomial ring over a fieldKof characteristic zero and letM⊂Sbe an ideal given as an intersection of powers of incomparable monomial prime ideals (e.g., the case whereMis a squarefree monomial ideal). In this paper we provide a very effective, sufficient condition for a monomial prime idealP⊂ScontainingMbe such that the localisationMPhasnon-maximal analytic spread. Our technique describes, in fact, a concrete obstruction forPto be an asymptotic prime divisor ofMwith respect to the integral closure filtration, allowing us to employ a theorem of McAdam as a bridge to analytic spread. As an application, we derive – with the aid of results of Brodmann and Eisenbud-Huneke – a situation where the asymptotic and conormal asymptotic depths cannot vanish locally at such primes.