Varieties of modules for Z/2Z x Z/2Z

Let k be an algebraically closed field of characteristic 2. We prove that the restricted nilpotent commuting variety C, that is the set of pairs of (n x n)-matrices (A, B) such that A(2) = B-2 = [A, B] = 0, is equidimensional. C can be identified with the 'variety of n-dimensional modules' for Z/2Z x Z/2Z, or equivalently, for k[X, Y]/(X-2, Y-2). On the other hand, we provide an example showing that the restricted nilpotent commuting variety is not equidimensional for fields of characteristic > 2. We also prove that if e(2) = 0 then the set of elements of the centralizer of e whose square is zero is equidimensional. Finally, we express each irreducible component of C as a direct sum of indecomposable components of varieties of Z/2Z x Z/2Z-modules. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.