Topology in generalized quadrangles (Q583610)

The study of topological generalized quadrangles, in particular 3- dimensional generalized quadrangles, was first taken up by \textit{M. Forst} [Mitt. Math. Semin. Gießen 147, 65-129 (1981; Zbl 0478.51013)]. The authors resume this subject and lay the basis for the study of topological generalized quadrangles in general dimension. A topological generalized quadrangle is a generalized quadrangle (P,\({\mathcal L},I)\) with Hausdorff topologies on P and \({\mathcal L}\) such that the two mappings that map a anti-flat (p,L) onto the unique point on L which can be joined to p and onto the unique line through p which intersects L respectively are continuous with respect to the given topologies. The general results obtained for topological generalized quadrangles are quite similar to those for topological projective planes (which are the same as generalized triangles). Following the strategy for compact (topological) projective planes the authors endow P with a richer topological structure to obtain far reaching results. In particular, if P is locally compact, then P and \({\mathcal L}\) are both either connected or totally disconnected; in the first case both spaces are even compact. Furthermore, it is shown, that P, \({\mathcal L}\), lines and line pencils are ANR's and integral homology manifolds and the latter two spaces are homotopy equivalent to spheres if P is locally compact connected and of finite topological dimension. In particular, for low dimensions where lines are homeomorphic to 1- or 2- spheres P and \({\mathcal L}\) are manifolds. In the last chapter the authors look at compact connected Moufang quadrangles and classify the group generated by all root collineations and dual root collineations (this type of collineation plays the role of central collineations in projective planes). There are three families of groups and three single groups; generalized quadrangles admitting these groups arise from spherical buildings which are naturally associated with these groups. In this context topological buildings have been studied by \textit{K. Burns} and \textit{R. Spatzier} [Publ. Math., Inst. Hautes Etud. Sci. 65, 5-34 (1987; Zbl 0643.53036)].