On the multiplication groups of semifields. (Q1041178)

The multiplication group of a loop is the permutation group generated by all right and left multiplications of the loop. The author uses finite semifields (i.e. non-associative division algebras) to obtain loops whose multiplication groups are between \(\text{PSL}(n,q)\) and \(\text{PGL}(n,q)\), for \(n\geq 3 \) and \(q^n>8\); the proof is based on results of \textit{C. Hering} [Geom. Dedicata 2, 425-460 (1974; Zbl 0292.20045)] and \textit{A. Vesanen} [Math. Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 117, No. 3, 425-429 (1995; Zbl 0834.20069)]. Moreover, the author points out that the Mathieu group \(M_{12}\) is the multiplication group of Conway's arithmetic progression loop, [see \textit{J. H. Conway}, in Sphere packings, lattices and groups. Springer-Verlag (1988; Zbl 0634.52002), Section 18], and he exhibits a loop of order 24 with multiplication group \(M_{24}\).