Symmetric invariants and cohomology of groups (Q1823509)

In this paper we describe the multiplicative structure of the mod 2 cohomology of the finite symmetric groups through degree 12. This is then applied to obtain the cohomology of the corresponding alternating groups. The method consists of combining information on the additive structure of the symmetric groups from infinite loop space theory, with computer assisted invariant theory. The invariants we study are the image of the restriction in the cohomology of elementary abelian subgroups, which in this case are known to be a family of detecting subgroups. The results obtained are described concretely in terms of generators and relations, and the action of the Steenrod Algebra is also provided. The calculations turn out to be quite more involved than expected, the main reason being that the symmetric invariants of a block-wise permutated polynomial algebra on more than one variable are very complicated. These calculations are important for the analysis of the cohomology of sporadic simple groups (which the same authors have already initiated in a separate paper) as well as for approaching the cohomology of certain double covers of the symmetric groups, which via the method of finite models can be used to construct a classifying space for transversality phenomena.