Bounds for finite primitive complex linear groups. (Q2474481)

This paper is based on a result of Jordan from 1878 which showed that any finite complex linear group possesses a normal Abelian subgroup whose index is bounded by a function of the degree \(n\). A candidate for this function is \((n+1)!\), achieved by the symmetric group \(S_{n+1}\) embedded in \(\text{GL}(n,\mathbb{C})\) by way of the representation of degree \(n\) which occurs as a constituent of the permutation representation. In this paper and a subsequent one [\textit{M. J. Collins}, J. Group Theory 10, No. 4, 411-423 (2007; Zbl 1125.20033)], the author shows that if the degree is sufficiently large, then \((n+1)!\) is indeed the optimal bound. As a step towards this general result, this paper considers `primitive subgroups' of \(\text{GL}(n,\mathbb{C})\). A subgroup \(G\) of \(\text{GL}(n,\mathbb{C})\) is called `primitive' if the natural representation of \(G\) on \(\mathbb{C}^n\) cannot be decomposed as a direct sum of proper subspaces permuted under the action of \(G\). The main theorem of the paper under review is the following: Let \(G\) be a finite primitive subgroup of \(\text{GL}(n,\mathbb{C})\) and suppose that \(n>1\). Then \([G:Z(G)]\) is bounded. If \(n>12\) and the bound is achieved, then \(G'\simeq A_{n+1}\) and \(G/Z(G)\simeq S_{n+1}\). The author also provides a list of the exceptions to this case for \(n\leq 12\). (NB. There is a small typo in the statement of Theorem A in the paper: the final line should read ``In particular, in general \([G:Z(G)]<(n+1)!\) if \(n>12\).'') Parts of the proof use the Classification of Finite Simple Groups to examine possibilities systematically.