On a conjecture of Kallaher and Liebler (Q1081115)

Let \(\pi\) be a finite non-desarguesian semifield plane, and let G be the group of collineations of \(\pi\) which fix the triangle (0,0), (0), (\(\infty)\). The authors prove that G has at least 5 orbits on the points not incident with any side of the triangle; this means that there are at least 5 isomorphism types of semifields coordinatizing \(\pi\). The proof is a case by case analysis of the group-theoretic constellations arising from a smaller number of orbits of G. In most cases G induces a transitive linear group on one of the sides of the triangle; then Hering's classification of these groups (not yet completely published; cp. \textit{C. Hering}, Geom. Dedicata 2, 425-460 (1974; Zbl 0292.20045) and J. Algebra 93, 151-164 (1985; Zbl 0583.20003)) is invoked. In the remaining cases, G leads to a primitive rank 3 group with special subdegrees; these groups have been classified by \textit{M. Liebeck} [The affine permutation groups of rank 3, to appear]. Both Hering's and Liebeck's classification depend on the classification of finite simple groups.