On Thompson's theorem (Q1818871)

Let \(G\) be a finite group and \(p\) be a prime divisor of the order of the group \(G\). A group \(G\) is said to be a Thompson group if the degrees of its nonlinear irreducible characters are divisible by \(p\). It is proved that a group \(G\) having only one nonlinear irreducible character of \(p'\)-degree is a cyclic extension of a Thompson group. This result is a consequence of the following theorem: A nonabelian simple group possesses two nonlinear irreducible characters \(\chi_1\) and \(\chi_2\) of distinct degrees such that \(p\) does not divide \(\chi_1(1)\chi_2(1)\). The proof depends on the classification of finite simple groups. Some properties of solvable groups possessing exactly two nonlinear irreducible characters of \(p'\)-degree are proved. Some open questions are posed.