A generic identification theorem for \(L^*\)-groups of finite Morley rank. (Q2470391)

The Cherlin-Zilber conjecture states that simple groups of finite Morley rank should be algebraic. It is known that in such a group the Sylow-2-subgroups are conjugate, and either finite (degenerate case), infinite of bounded exponent (even type), or infinite virtually divisible (odd type). This paper is one of the last steps in proving the Cherlin-Zilber conjecture in even type. It provides a recognition theorem for \textit{sufficiently large} groups. An \(L^*\)-group is a group whose proper simple definable connected sections are either Chevalley groups, or degenerate. The proof of the even type part of the conjecture proceeds by considering a minimal counterexample, which must be \(L^*\). For a group \(G\) of even type, let \(O_2(G)\) be the largest normal \(2\)-subgroup, and \(U_2(G)\) the group generated by all connected \(2\)-subgroups of \(G\); both are definable normal subgroups of \(G\). A `\(p\)-torus' is a divisible Abelian \(p\)-group. The authors show Theorem 1.1. (Generic Identification). Let \(G\) be a simple \(L^*\)-group of finite Morley rank and even type, and \(p\) an odd prime. Suppose that \(G\) contains a maximal \(p\)-torus \(D\) of Prüfer rank at least \(3\), and that \(\langle U_2(C_G(x)^0):x\in D[p]\rangle=G\) and \(O_2(C_G(x)^0)=1\) for all \(x\in D[p]\). Then \(G\) is a Chevalley group of Lie rank at least \(3\) over an algebraically closed field of characteristic \(2\). Using an \(L^*\)-version of the \(C(G,T)\)-theorem, they derive Theorem 1.2. Let \(G\) be a simple \(L^*\)-group of finite Morley rank and even type containing a \(p\)-torus of Prüfer rank at least \(3\) which normalizes a Sylow\(^0\)-\(2\)-subgroup of \(G\) for some odd prime \(p\). Then the same conclusion holds. Finally, a \(2\)-local\(^0\) subgroup (in even type) is the connected component of the normalizer of a non-trivial \(2\)-subgroup. Then Theorem 1.3. Let \(G\) be a simple \(L^*\)-group of finite Morley rank and even type. Let \(S\) be a Sylow\(^0\)-2-subgroup of \(G\), and \(\mathcal M\) the set of minimal \(2\)-local\(^0\) subgroups of \(G\) properly containing \(N_G(S)^0\). If \(|\mathcal M|\geq 3\) and \(\langle P_1,P_2\rangle<G\) for any two \(P_1,P_2\in\mathcal M\), then the same conclusion holds. The results adapts [\textit{A. Berkman} and \textit{A. V. Borovik}, J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 69, No. 1, 14-26 (2004; Zbl 1047.03028)] to \(L^*\) groups of even type.