Ideal theory of infinite directed unions of local quadratic transforms

Abstract: Let $R$ be a regular local ring of dimension at least 2. Associated to each valuation domain birationally dominating $R$, there exists a unique sequence ${R_n}$ of local quadratic transforms of $R$ along this valuation domain. We consider the situation where the sequence ${ R_n }{n \ge 0}$ is infinite, and examine ideal-theoretic properties of the integrally closed local domain $S = \bigcup{n \ge 0} R_n$. Among the set of valuation overrings of $R$, there exists a unique limit point $V$ for the sequence of order valuation rings of the $R_n$. We prove the existence of a unique minimal proper Noetherian overring $T$ of $S$, and establish the decomposition $S = T \cap V$. If $S$ is archimedian, then the complete integral closure $S^{*}$ of $S$ has the form $S^{*} = W \cap T$, where $W$ is the rank $1$ valuation overring of $V$.