Die \(\epsilon\)-Invariante von SL(2,p). (The \(\epsilon\)-invariant of SL(2,p)) (Q1083527)

Let G be a finite group. For each subgroup H of G let \(s_ H=\sum_{g\in H}g\) and let \(\epsilon\) (G) be the positive generator of \({\mathbb{Z}}\cap \sum_{H\neq 1}{\mathbb{Z}}\cdot Gs_ H\). This invariant was introduced by W. Scharlau. A crucial case is \(G=SL_ 2({\mathbb{F}}_ p)\). In this case the invariant \(\epsilon\) (G) was known to be p when p is not a Fermat prime, and \(p>5\). It is conjectured to be equal to p in general. The present paper shows by elementary techniques that \(\epsilon\) (Sl(2,p)) is p or \(p^ 2\) when p is prime, \(p>5\).