2-arc-transitive regular covers of \(K_{n,n}- nK_2\) with the covering transformation group \(\mathbb{Z}_p^2\) (Q2827779)

This paper contributes toward the classification of finite 2-arc-transitive graphs. \textit{C. E. Praeger} [J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 47, No. 2, 227--239 (1992; Zbl 0738.05046)] divided all finite 2-arc-transitive graphs \(X\) into the following three subclasses:NEWLINENEWLINE(1) Quasiprimitive type: every nontrivial normal subgroup of \(\Aut X\) acts transitively on vertices;NEWLINENEWLINE(2) Bipartite type: every nontrivial normal subgroup of \(\Aut X\) has at most two orbits on vertices and at least one of them has two orbits on vertices;NEWLINENEWLINE(3) Covering type: there exists a normal subgroup of \(\Aut X\) having at least three orbits on vertices, and thus \(X\) is a regular cover of some graphs of types (1) or (2).NEWLINENEWLINEThe main result: Let \(X\) be a connected regular cover of \(K_{n,n} - nK_2\) (\(n\geq 3\)), the complete bipartite graph minus a matching, whose covering transformation group \(K\) is isomorphic to \(Z^2_p\) with \(p\) a prime and whose fibre-preserving automorphism group acts 2-arc-transitively. Then \(n = 4\) and \(X\) is isomorphic to \(X(p)\).