Modules of vector fields,differential forms and degenerations of differential systems

We deal with (n−1)-generated modules of smooth (analytic, holomorphic) vector fieldsV=(X ₁,..., X_n−1) (codimension 1 differential systems) defined locally on ℝ ⁿ or ℂ ⁿ , and extend the standard duality(X ₁,..., X_n−1)↦(ω), ω=Ω(X₁,...,X_n−1,.,) (Ω−a volume form) betweenV′s and 1-generated modules of differential 1-forms (Pfaffian equations)—when the generatorsX _i are linearly independent—onto substantially wider classes of codimension 1 differential systems. We prove that two codimension 1 differential systemsV and are equivalent if and only if so are the corresponding Pfaffian equations (ω) and provided that ω has1-division property: ωΛμ=0, μ—any 1-form ⇒ μ=fω for certain function germf. The 1-division property of ω turns out to be equivalent to the following properties ofV: (a)fX∈V, f—not a 0-divisor function germ ⇒X∈V (thedivision property); (b) (V ^⊥)^⊥=V; (c)V ^⊥=(ω); (d) (ω)^⊥=V, where ⊥ denotes the passing from a module (of vector fields or differential 1-forms) to its annihilator. Supported by Polish KBN grant N^o 2 1090 91 01. Partially supported by the fund for the promotion of research at the Technion, 100–942.