The free \(\beta{}\)-ring on one generator (Q2366059)

If \(G\) is a finite group the complex representation ring is denoted by \(R(G)\). The graded ring, \(S = \oplus R(\Sigma_ n)\) (\(\Sigma_ n\) is the symmetric group) can be given a \(\lambda\)-ring structure, in the sense of Grothendieck, making it into the free graded \(\lambda\)-ring on one generator. The Burnside ring, \(A(G)\), is the commutative ring of finite \(G\)-sets under disjoint sum and Cartesian product. The notation of a \(\beta\)-ring is the analogue for \(A(G)\) of a \(\lambda\)-ring for \(R(G)\). The author shows that \(\oplus A(\Sigma_ n)\) may be given a structure realizing the free \(\beta\)-ring on one generator. The free \(\lambda\)-ring on one generator may also be realized as the ring of \(\lambda\)-operators on the functor \(R(-)\). The author also proves, by analogy, that the ring of \(\beta\)-operations on the functor, \(A(-)\), also realizes the free \(p\)- ring on one generator.