On the dimensions of automorphism groups of eight-dimensional double loops (Q1321523)

It is well known that the automorphism group of the octonion algebra is the 14-dimensional compact Lie group of type \(G_ 2\). Generalizing this fact, a deep result of \textit{H. Salzmann} [Math. Z. 166, 265-275 (1979; Zbl 0406.51013)] asserts that \(G_ 2\) is the largest automorphism group that any 8-dimensional compact ternary field can have. The author offers another big step of generalization, replacing ternary fields with double loops and obtaining that the automorphism group is at most 16- dimensional. He uses the fact, due to himself, that the automorphism group is locally compact [Arch. Math. 61, 291-294 (1992; Zbl 0783.22001)], and much of the structure theory of locally compact (transformation) groups. It is very surprising that such a result can be proved, because the axioms of ternary fields require unique solvability of equations that involve addition and multiplication together, whereas a double loop merely consists of two loops, one being defined on the complement of the neutral element of the other. Only equations involving one operation are solvable. Another such surprising result is that for locally compact, connected double loops, like for ternary fields, the only possible dimension values are 1, 2, 4, 8 (and perhaps \(\infty\)), see \textit{Th. Grundhöfer} and \textit{H. Salzmann} [In: Quasigroups and loops: Theory and Applications, Sigma Ser. Pure Math. 8, 313-355 (1990; Zbl 0749.51016)].