Powers in finite groups and a criterion for solubility. (Q2855896)

In this paper, the authors study the set \(G^{[k]}\) of all \(k\)-th powers of elements of a finite group \(G\), where \(k\) is a positive integer. Many interesting results are shown. The main result is: if \(G^{[12]}\) is a subgroup, then \(G\) must be soluble; moreover, 12 is the minimal number with this property. -- The proof relies on results of independent interest, the authors use the classification of finite simple groups and make a careful analysis of sets \(G^{[k]}\) in almost simple groups \(G\), classifying \(G\) and positive integers \(k\) for which \(G^{[k]}\) contains the socle of \(G\).