\(G\)-linear sets and torsion points in definably compact groups (Q2391091)

This paper studies the distribution of torsion points in definably compact groups in o-minimal expansions of fields. The main theorem states that if \(G\) is such a group, and \(X\) is a definable subset of \(G\) which is large in \(G\) (i.e., \(\dim G\setminus X < \dim G\)) then \(X\) contains a torsion point of \(G\). To prove this result, the authors first develop the theory of cosets of definable local subgroups (such sets are called \(G\)-linear). These \(G\)-linear sets are used to study definable sets containing abstract subgroups of \(G\) (that is, subgroups of \(G\) which are not necessarily definable). The abelian case of the main result is then proved by combining the earlier parts with some algebraic topology. Finally, the general case is proved from the abelian case using earlier results on semisimple groups. Since a preprint of this paper appeared, Hrushovski and Pillay have proved the compact domination conjecture for abelian groups, using some of the results of the paper under review. Hrushovski, Peterzil and Pillay have now extended this to all definably compact definable groups, and it follows that in the main theorem above, it suffices to assume that the set \(X\) is generic in \(G\).