Linear spaces with \(n^ 2 + n + 2\) lines (Q1202739)

This paper deals with linear spaces with \(n^ 2+n+2\) lines. By a result of \textit{J. Totten} [Can. J. Math. 28, 321-333 (1972; Zbl 0308.05021)] such a space possesses at most \(n^ 2+2\) points with equality for \(n=2\). The main result of this paper is that if \(2n=e(e+1)\), \(e\) a real number, then the linear space \(L\) has at most \(n^ 2+1-e\) points with well defined exceptions. Furthermore the author shows that if every point has degree at most \(n+1\) then the number of points is at most \(n^ 2-e\) with well defined exceptions again. Examples for these exceptional linear spaces are given. One of them are points and groups in a divisible design, or the complement of a Baer subplane in a projective plane. More examples can be found in the paper. It is an open question whether the exceptional linear spaces exist for any \(n\).