A new proof of Zassenhaus theorem on finite groups of fixed-point-free automorphisms (Q1810539)

The classification of finite nearfields by \textit{H. Zassenhaus} [Abh. Math. Semin. Univ. Hamb. 11, 187-220 (1935; Zbl 0011.10302)] is a milestone in the theory of finite groups. The major work in this classification lies in the characterization of \(\text{SL}(2,5)\) as the only possible perfect Frobenius complement. The original proof of this result can be found for instance in [\textit{B. Huppert} and \textit{N. Blackburn}, ``Finite Groups III'', Springer (1982; Zbl 0514.20002)]. In [Result. Math. 8, 132-145 (1985; Zbl 0591.20017)] \textit{H. Zassenhaus} gave an updated proof of the characterization of \(\text{SL}(2,5)\). In [Endliche Fastkörper und Zassenhausgruppen, in Group theory, algebra, and number theory, Berlin, 97-143 (1996; Zbl 0872.20001)] \textit{H. Bender} uses the theory of exceptional characters for another proof of this result. Moreover, he sketches a purely group theoretic proof of the \(\text{SL}(2,5)\)-characterization due to Meierfrankenfeld. In the paper under review the author gives again a nice new proof of the theorem of Zassenhaus. This proof also needs no character theory. Compared to the proofs above it is the most elementary as only rudiments of group theory are needed and the core of the argument rests on simple matrix calculations.