When Hilbert functions determine four-variable generic initial ideals

Abstract

Over a field of characteristic zero, we characterize the Hilbert functions that determine the degree reverse lexicographic generic initial ideal among Artinian quotients in four variables with the $2$-strong Lefschetz property. Our criterion is a finite numerical test that strictly extends the quasi-symmetry condition of Harima and Wachi. The proof parametrizes the possible generic initial ideals by flags of lower sets in the Borel orders on their common three-variable section. We also give nonrecursive formulas for the standard monomials and minimal generators of the almost reverse lexicographic ideal, and specialize them to generic complete intersections in at most four variables without restrictions on the degrees.