Embedding pseudo-complements of quadrics in PG(n,q), n\(\geq 3\), q\(\geq 2\) (Q1112331)

Let S be a finite planar linear space, dim S\(=n\geq 3\), such that (i) each line has q-1, q, or \(q+1\) points, (ii) in any subspace R, the number of lines on any point of R is \((q^{\dim R}-R)(q-1)\), with \(q\geq 2\). The author proves that S embeds in a unique way in PG(n,q). If, in addition, S has \(\leq q^ n\) points, it follows, using a result of \textit{G. Tallini} [Ann. Math. Pura Appl., IV. Ser. 42, 119-164 (1956; Zbl 0074.153)] and its generalization [\textit{C. Lefèvre-Percsy}, J. Comb. Theory, Ser. A 29, 297-305 (1980; Zbl 0457.51019)] that S is the complement in PG(n,q) of a parabolic or a hyperbolic quadric, a parabolic quadric plus a subspace of its nucleus space, a cone projecting from a \(PG(n-3,q)\) a plane \((q+1)\)-arc plus a subspace of the \(PG(n-2,q)\) joining the knot of the arc with the \(PG(n-3,q)\), or a hyperplane along with a subspace of PG(n,q). Apart from the trivial case of embedding an affine n-space in a projective n-space, this ``complementation problem'' of removing a set from a projective space and then reconstructing the set, had been considered so far mostly in the case of dimension 2. The embedding given here involve the introduction of new points and lines via spreads of lines and planes, respectively.