Bases of minimal vectors in lattices. I. (Q2474128)

Let \(E\) denote an \(n\)-dimensional Euclidean vector space. A lattice \(\Lambda\) in \(E\) is well-rounded if its minimal vectors span \(E\). Any system of \(n\) independent minimal vectors generates a sublattice \(\Lambda'\) of finite index in \(\Lambda\). We denote by \(\iota=\iota(\Lambda)\) the maximal index \([\Lambda:\Lambda']\) for sublattices \(\Lambda'\) generated by \(n\) independent minimal vectors of \(\Lambda\). \textit{J. H. Conway} and \textit{N. J. A. Sloane} [Discrete Comput. Geom. 13, No. 3--4, 282--403 (1995; Zbl 0844.52013)] constructed an 11-dimensional lattice generated by its minimal vectors having no basis of minimal vectors. We do not know whether such an example may exist in a lower dimension. In this paper it is proved that a Euclidean lattice of dimension \(n\leq 8\) which is generated by its minimal vectors has a basis of minimal vectors. The proof makes use of the knowledge of the possible values of \(\iota\) and of the corresponding structure of the set of minimal vectors of \(\Lambda\). The basic reference for the index is a paper of \textit{J. Martinet} [Monogr. Enseign. Math. 37, 163--211 (2001; Zbl 1065.11051)], which relies on previous work of Watson, Ryshkov and Zahareva. When \(t\) is relatively small, we prove more, namely: A lattice of maximal index \(\iota\leq 4\) and dimension \(n\leq 10\) which is generated by its minimal vectors has a basis of minimal vectors. For Part II, see Arch. Math. 89, No. 6, 541--551 (2007; Zbl 1243.11079).