Split BN-pairs of rank 2: the octagons. (Q1421907): Difference between revisions

This paper completes the classification of all groups with a split BN-pair of rank \(2\). The finite case of this result is due to \textit{P. Fong} and \textit{G. M. Seitz} [Invent. Math. 21, 1-57 (1973; Zbl 0295.20048) and ibid. 24, 191-239 (1974; Zbl 0295.20049)], who used quite different methods. In more detail: Let \(G\) be a (finite or infinite) group containing an irreducible spherical BN-pair \((B,N)\) of rank \(2\) (thus \(G\) acts strongly transitively on a generalized \(n\)-gon \(\Gamma\)), and assume that \((B,N)\) is split, in the sense that \(B\) contains a normal nilpotent subgroup \(U\) such that \(B=U(B\cap N)\). Then \(\Gamma\) is a Moufang \(n\)-gon, and \(G\) induces on \(\Gamma\) at least the little projective group of \(\Gamma\). By \textit{J. Tits} and \textit{R. M. Weiss} [Moufang polygons (2002; Zbl 1010.20017)], this little projective group is a group of Lie type or a twisted Chevalley group of rank \(2\). In view of earlier results of the author and \textit{H. Van Maldeghem} [Forum Math. 13, No. 6, 853-862 (2001; Zbl 0989.20026) and Adv. Math. 174, No. 2, 254-265 (2003; Zbl 1030.20019)] it remained to treat the hardest case \(n=8\), where \(\Gamma\) is a generalized octagon. The proof is achieved by a detailed and lengthy analysis of elations of \(\Gamma\).