A classification of polynomial algebras as modules over the Steenrod algebra (Q1312816)

This paper studies the (unstable) actions of the Steenrod algebra on polynomial algebras, over \(F_ 2\), with generators of degree 1. \textit{H. E. A. Campbell} and \textit{P. S. Selick} [ibid. 65, No. 2, 171-180 (1990; Zbl 0716.55016)] have shown that one may define an action (isomorphic to the standard one) by \(Sq^ 1 x_ i=x^ 2_{i-1}\) and \(Sq^ 1 x_ 1=x^ 2_ n\). The present paper responds to a question of Tom Hunter, namely: Does the formula \(Sq^ 1 x_ i=\sum_ j m_{ij} x^ 2_ j\), where \((m_{ij})\) is an \(n \times n\) matrix over \(F_ 2\), define an action of the Steenrod algebra on \(F_ 2 [x_ 1,\dots, x_ n]\)? The authors show that the answer is affirmative and even give a classification. It should be remarked that the authors use the approach to the Adem relations via formal power series [\textit{S. R. Bullett} and \textit{I. G. Macdonald}, Topology 21, 329-332 (1982; Zbl 0506.55015)].