Intersecting two classical groups. (Q441406)

A new algorithm is presented to compute the algebra of adjoints associated to a pair of forms on a common finite vector space. Here the algebra of adjoints of a bilinear (or sequilinear) map \(b\colon V\times V\to W\) is the algebra \(\{(f,g)\in\text{End}(V)\times\text{End}(V)^{\text{opp}}\mid\forall u,v\in V,\;b(uf,v)=b(u,gv)\}\). This algebra is used in several recent and ongoing projects to study central products, intersections of classical groups, and automorphism groups. In particular, in the case of two nondegenerate forms one takes for \(b\) their direct sum. The algebra of adjoints then serves to find the intersection of the isometry groups of the two forms. The new algorithm is of Las Vegas type. A complexity analysis is given. It is reported that the implementation of the new algorithm in \textsc{Magma} greatly outperforms its predecessor.