A characterization of Suzuki-Ree groups (Q1177967)

Let \(G\) be a finite group and denote by \(\pi_ e(G)\) the set of orders of elements in \(G\). The authors prove the following result: Let \(G\) be a group and \(M\) be a Suzuki- or Ree-group. If \(\pi_ e(G)=\pi_ e(M)\) and \(| G|=| M|\) then \(G\simeq M\). This paper is another contribution in the authors' attempt to characterize simple groups by the order and the set \(\pi_ e(G)\). Related papers are for instance [Houston J. Math. 16, 597-602 (1990; Zbl 0716.20011), Contemp. Math. 82, 171-180 (1989; Zbl 0668.20019), and Proc. 1987 Singapore Group Theory Conf. 531- 540 (1989; Zbl 0657.20017)].