On optimal embeddings and trees

Abstract: We apply the theory of Bruhat-Tits trees to the study of optimal embeddings of two and three dimensional commutative orders into quaternion algebras. Specifically, we determine how many conjugacy classes of global Eichler orders in a quaternion algebra yield optimal representations of such orders. This completes the previous work by C. Maclachlan, who considered only Eichler orders of square free level and integral domains as sub-orders. The same technique is used in the second part of this work to compute local embedding numbers, extending previous results by J. Brzezinski.