If $R=\mathbb{C}[x,y]$ is the polynomial ring in two variables $x$ and $y$ then we know that the localization of R at the multiplicative set $S=[1,x,x^2,x^3,...]$ is given by $R\_x=\mathbb{C}[x,x^{-1},y]$. Now, what will be the localization of $R$ at the prime ideal $(x)$. i.e. what will $R\_{(x)}$ be?



Localization of a polynomial ring at a prime ideal.
I doubt that there is a nice description which will satisfy you. As a $\mathbb{C}$-algebra, $R\_{(x)}$ is not finitely generated. Anyway every localization of a factorial domain at a principle prime ideal is a discrete valuation domain. In particular, $R\_{(x)}$ is such a domain with prime ideal $(x)$. Every nonzero element has a unique representation $x^n u$, where $u$ is a fraction, such that $x$ is coprime to both the numerator and the denominator of $u$. Probably an algebraic geometer would call this ring the local ring of the affine plane at the line $x=0$.


