The sphere packing problem (Q5904069)

This article, on the (infinite) sphere packing problem in \(n\)-dimensional euclidean space, gives a brief report on developments of the subject that have taken place in particular during the past few years. (It was written before Hales' announcement of a solution in the classical case \(n=3\), so this is not mentioned here). Most of the 40 selected references are from the years 1993 to 1998, documenting what is considered to be the most important recent work in the field. The reader is referred to the forthcoming 3rd edition of \textit{J. H. Conway} and \textit{N. J. A. Sloane} [Sphere packings, lattices and groups. 2nd ed. (1993; Zbl 0785.11036)] for further information and 800 new references.