This book is concerned with the structure of linear semigroups, that is, subsemigroups of the multiplicative semigroup Mn(K) of n x n matrices over a field K (or, more generally, skew linear semigroups - if K is allowed to be a division ring) and its applications to certain problems on associative algebras, semigroups and linear representations. It is motivated by several recent developments in the area of linear semigroups and their applications. It summarizes the state of knowledge in this area, presenting the results for the first time in a unified form. The book's point of departure is a structure theorem, which allows the use of powerful techniques of linear groups. Certain aspects of a combinatorial nature, connections with the theory of linear representations and applications to various problems on associative algebras are also discussed.

Within the last decade, semigroup theoretical methods have occurred naturally in many aspects of ring theory, algebraic combinatorics, representation theory and their applications. In particular, motivated by noncommutative geometry and the theory of quantum groups, there is a growing interest in the class of semigroup algebras and their deformations.

This work presents a comprehensive treatment of the main results and methods of the theory of Noetherian semigroup algebras. These general results are then applied and illustrated in the context of important classes of algebras that arise in a variety of areas and have been recently intensively studied. Several concrete constructions are described in full detail, in particular intriguing classes of quadratic algebras and algebras related to group rings of polycyclic-by-finite groups. These give new classes of Noetherian algebras of small Gelfand-Kirillov dimension. The focus is on the interplay between their combinatorics and the algebraic structure. This yields a rich resource of examples that are of interest not only for the noncommutative ring theorists, but also for researchers in semigroup theory and certain aspects of group and group ring theory. Mathematical physicists will find this work of interest owing to the attention given to applications to the Yang-Baxter equation.

Gathers and unifies the results of the theory of noncommutative semigroup rings, primarily drawing on the literature of the last 10 years, and including several new results. Okninski (Warsaw U., Poland) restricts coverage to the ring theoretical properties for which a systematic treatment is current

Here is a comprehensive treatment of the main results and methods of the theory of Noetherian semigroup algebras. These results are applied and illustrated in the context of important classes of algebras that arise in a variety of areas and have recently been intensively studied. The focus is on the interplay between combinatorics and algebraic structure. Mathematical physicists will find this work interesting for its attention to applications of the Yang-Baxter equation.