A note on powers in simple groups (Q4352083)

Using the Classification of the Finite Simple Groups, \textit{J. S. Wilson} [J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 51, No. 3, 471-490 (1995; Zbl 0847.20001)]\ proved that there is an integer \(k\) such that every element of a finite non-abelian simple group \(S\) is a product of \(k\) commutators in \(S\). By exploiting similar ideas, the authors prove the following result: Theorem 1. Let \(n\) be a positive integer. There is an integer \(k\), depending only on \(n\), such that each element of each finite simple group \(S\) not of exponent dividing \(n\) is a product of \(k\) \(n\)th powers. As a corollary the following result is established: Theorem 2. Let \(C\) be the Cartesian product of a family of non-abelian finite simple groups and suppose that \(C\) is finitely generated, regarded as a profinite group. Then every subgroup of finite index in \(C\) is open. Another proof of Theorem 1, also using the Classification, was obtained by \textit{C. Martinez} and \textit{E. Zelmanov} [Isr. J. Math. 96, Pt. B, 469-479 (1996; see the preceding review Zbl 0890.20012)].