Correlations of spaces of pencils (Q420857)

Let \(V\) be a vector space over a not necessarily commutative field and let \(U\) be a subspace of \(V\). By \(Sub_k(U)\) the set of all \(k\)-subspaces of \(U\) and by \(Sup_k(U)\) the set of all \(k\)-subspaces of \(V\) that contain \(U\) is denoted. If \(B\) is a \((k+1)\)-subspace of \(V\) with \(0<k<\dim(V)\) and \(H\) is a \((k-1)\)-subspace of \(B\), then \(Sub_k(B)\cap Sup_k(H)\) is called a \textit{\(k\)-pencil with vertex \(H\) and base \(B\).} Under the \textit{space \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\) of pencils} (= \textit{Grassmann space}) we understand the geometry whose points are the \(k\)-subspaces of \(V\) and whose lines are the \(k\)-pencils of \(V\). Any set \(Sub_k(Y)\cap Sup_k(Z)\) with arbitrary subspaces \(Y,Z\) of \(V\) is called \textit{segment subspace of \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\)}. The author shows: The segment subspaces of \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\) coincide with the Grassmann subspaces of \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\) (in the sense of \textit{A. Bichara} and \textit{G. Tallini} [Ann. Discrete Math. 18, 113--131 (1983; Zbl 0506.51019)]). For a partial linear space \({\mathcal A}=(S,\mathcal L)\) the author defines the concept \textit{conjugacy} as a symmetric relation \(\omega\subset S\times S\) which satisfies \(7\) axioms \((C_0),\dots,(C_6)\); the reviewer picks out \(3\) of the \(7\) axioms: \((C_0)\) \(\omega\) is non-degenerate; \((C_1)\) \(\omega\) is linear; \((C_3)\) If \(a_1,a_2\in S\) are distinct collinear points and \(a_1\omega b_1\) (\(b_1\in S\)), then there exists a point \(b_2\) collinear with \(b_1\) such that \(a_2\omega b_2\). The author exhibits two types of examples: (E1) (``Polarity type'') Let \(\xi\) be a non-degenerate reflexive sesqui-linear form on \(V\) with \(2k\leq \dim(V)\) and let \(Y\perp_{\xi} Z\Leftrightarrow\xi(Y,Z)=0\) for subspaces \(Y,Z\) of \(V\). Then the space \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\) of pencils with \(\omega=\perp_{\xi}\) is a partial linear space with conjugacy. (E2) (``Involutory collineation type'') Let \(\dim(V)=2k\) and let \(\varphi^{*}\) be an involutory collineation of \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\). Then the space \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\) of pencils with \(\omega=\varphi^{*}\) is a partial linear space with conjugacy. For the further investigations the author uses an \(8^{th}\) axiom being also valid for (E1) and (E2) and which says: \((C_7^k)\) There exists a point \(a\) and a complete finite chain of segment subspaces such that its length is \(k\), its minimal element is \(|a|_{\omega}:=\{x\in S : a\omega x\}\) and its maximal element is the entire point set \(S\). In a space \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\) of pencils with an abstract conjugacy \(\perp\subset Sub_k(V)\times Sub_k(V)\) satisfying the eight axioms the author is able to define a \textit{correlation \(\kappa\)}, it maps any \(U\in Sub_k(V)\) onto the set \(\{X\in Sub_k(V) : X\perp U\}\). The subsequent main result of the article is valid for \(\dim(V)<\infty\): If for an abstract conjugacy in the space \({\mathbf P}_k(V)\) of pencils the eight axioms \((C_0),(C_1),\dots,(C_6)\), and \((C_7^k)\) are satisfied, then either (E1) or (E2) are present.