On the notion of essential dimension for algebraic groups

We introduce and study the notion of essential dimension for linear algebraic groups defined over an algebraically closed fields of characteristic zero. The essential dimension is a numerical invariant of the group; it is often equal to the minimal number of independent parameters required to describe all algebraic objects of a certain type. For example, if our groupG isS_n, these objects are field extensions; ifG=O_n, they are quadratic forms; ifG=PGL_n, they are division algebras (all of degreen); ifG=G₂, they are octonion algebras; ifG=F₄, they are exceptional Jordan algebras. We develop a general theory, then compute or estimate the essential dimension for a number of specific groups, including all of the above-mentioned examples. In the last section we give an exposition of results, communicated to us by J.-P. Serre, relating essential dimension to Galois cohomology.Partially supported by NSA grant MDA904-9610022 and NSF grant DMS-9801675