Paper detail

Dp-finite fields IV: the rank 2 picture

We investigate fields of characteristic 0 and dp-rank 2. While we do not obtain a classification, we prove that any unstable field of characteristic 0 and dp-rank 2 admits a unique definable V-topology. If this statement could be generalized to higher ranks, we would obtain the expected classification of fields of finite dp-rank. We obtain the unique definable V-topology by investigating the "canonical topology" defined in earlier work. Contrary to earlier expectations, the canonical topology need not be a V-topology. However, we are able to characterize the canonical topology (on fields of dp-rank 2 and characteristic 0) in terms of differential valued fields. This differential valued structure is obtained through a partial classification of "2-inflators," a sort of generalized valuation that arises naturally in fields of finite rank. Additionally, we give an example of a dp-rank 2 expansion of ACVF with a definable set of full rank and empty interior. This example interferes with certain strategies for proving the henselianity conjecture.