On automorphisms of supersingular K3 surfaces (Q1378329)

Let \(k\) be an algebraically closed field of positive characteristic, let \(X\) be a K3 surface and assume that there exists a fibration with elliptic fibres \(X\to{\mathbb{P}}^1\) with a section \(O\). The Mordell-Weil group of \(X\) is the group of \(k({\mathbb{P}}^1)\)-rational points of the generic fibre of \(X\to{\mathbb{P}}^1\), taking \(O\) as the origin. The surface \(X\) is said to be supersingular if the Néron-Severi group is of rank \(22\), and extremal if, furthermore, the Mordell-Weil group is finite. In this paper the author classifies extremal elliptic K3 surfaces under the assumption that the characteristic of the ground field is at least \(5\). Moreover he computes the Mordell-Weil group of these surfaces and shows that all supersingular K3 surfaces have infinite automorphism group. Extremal rational and K3 elliptic surfaces over the complex numbers have been studied by \textit{R. Miranda} and \textit{U. Persson} [Math. Z. 193, 537-558 (1986; Zbl 0652.14003); Math. Z. 201, No. 3, 339-361 (1989; Zbl 0694.14019) and in: Problems in the theory of surfaces and their classification, Pap. Meeting Sc. Norm. Super. Cortona 1988, Symp. Math. 32, 167-192 (1991; Zbl 0827.14013)], while extremal rational elliptic surfaces in positive characteristic have been studied by \textit{W. E. Lang} [``Extremal rational elliptic surfaces in characteristic \(p\). I, II'', Math. Z. 207, No. 3, 429-438 (1991; Zbl 0757.14012) and Ark. Mat. 32, No. 2, 423-448 (1994; Zbl 0838.14029)].