Cameron-Liebler \(k\)-sets in \(\text{AG}(n,q)\) (Q2236814)

Summary: We study Cameron-Liebler \(k\)-sets in the affine geometry, so sets of \(k\)-spaces in \(\mathrm{AG}(n,q)\). This generalizes research on Cameron-Liebler \(k\)-sets in the projective geometry \(\mathrm{PG}(n,q)\). Note that in algebraic combinatorics, Cameron-Liebler \(k\)-sets of \(\mathrm{AG}(n,q)\) correspond to certain equitable bipartitions of the association scheme of \(k\)-spaces in \(\mathrm{AG}(n,q)\), while in the analysis of Boolean functions, they correspond to Boolean degree \(1\) functions of \(\mathrm{AG}(n,q)\). We define Cameron-Liebler \(k\)-sets in \(\mathrm{AG}(n,q)\) by intersection properties with \(k\)-spreads and show the equivalence of several definitions. In particular, we investigate the relationship between Cameron-Liebler \(k\)-sets in \(\mathrm{AG}(n,q)\) and \(\mathrm{PG}(n,q)\). As a by-product, we calculate the character table of the association scheme of affine lines. Furthermore, we characterize the smallest examples of Cameron-Liebler \(k\)-sets. This paper focuses on \(\mathrm{AG}(n,q)\) for \(n > 3\), while the case for Cameron-Liebler line classes in \(\mathrm{AG}(3,q)\) was already treated separately.