Self maps of spectra, a theorem of J. Smith, and Margolis' killing construction (Q1323413)

We prove that certain spectra have self-maps easily described in terms of \(\text{Ext}^{**}_ A(\cdot,\cdot)\). We apply this to prove Jeff Smith's theorem that for each \(n\), there is a finite spectrum admitting a \(v_ n\)-map. other applications are Margolis' killing construction for spectra and a spectral sequence for computing the homotopy of some \(v_ n\)-periodic telescopes.