On finite soluble groups with almost fixed-point-free automorphisms of noncoprime order. (Q498243)

Let \(G\) be a finite group. Numerous research papers, such as \textit{E. I. Khukhro} [Math. Notes 38, 867-870 (1985; Zbl 0598.20024); translation from Mat. Zametki 38, No. 5, 652-657 (1985)], \textit{A. Jaikin-Zapirain} [Adv. Math. 153, No. 2, 391-402 (2000; Zbl 0968.20011)], studied the effects of (almost) fixed-point-free automorphisms of \(G\), in flavour of the renowned fundamental theorem of J. G. Thompson, that is, \(G\) is nilpotent when an automorphism of prime order acting fixed-point-freely is present. The main results of the author are as follows. If \(G\) is \(p\)-soluble and admits an automorphism \(\varphi\) of order \(p^n\) with at most \(m\) fixed points on every \(\varphi\)-invariant elementary abelian \(p'\)-section of \(G\) then the \(p\)-length of \(G\) is bounded above in terms of \(p^n\) and \(m\). If \(G\) is soluble then the same conclusion can be drawn for the Fitting height of \(G\). If \(G\) admits an automorphism \(\varphi\) of order \(p^aq^b\) then \(G\) has a soluble subgroup with index and Fitting height bounded above in terms of \(p^aq^b\) and \(|C_G(\varphi)|\). The previous result has been found recently in a manuscript of \textit{Brian Hartley} from 1994 and given forth at \url{eprints.ma.man.ac.uk} by the author. Proofs are based on two key lemmas with elegant arguments applying representation theoretical tools.