If $G$ is a finite subgroup of $GL(3,{\mathbb C})$, then $G$ acts on ${\mathbb C}^3$, and it is known that ${\mathbb C}^3/G$ is Gorenstein if and only if $G$ is a subgroup of $SL(3,{\mathbb C})$. In this work, the authors begin with a classification of finite subgroups of $SL(3,{\mathbb C})$, including two types, (J) and (K), which have often been overlooked. They go on to present a general method for finding invariant polynomials and their relations to finite subgroups of $GL(3,{\mathbb C})$. The method is, in practice, substantially better than the classical method due to Noether. Some properties of quotient varieties are presented, along with a proof that ${\mathbb C}^3/G$ has isolated singularities if and only if $G$ is abelian and 1 is not an eigenvalue of $g$ for every nontrivial $g \in G$. The authors also find minimal quotient generators of the ring of invariant polynomials and relations among them.

Readership

Advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers.