Defect 3 blocks of symmetric group algebras. I (Q5936941)

Consider the symmetric group algebra \(k{\mathfrak S}_n\) over an algebraically closed field \(k\) of non-zero characteristic \(p\). The first author [in Q. J. Math., Oxf. II. Ser. 44, No. 173, 87-99 (1993; Zbl 0835.20020)], conjectured that for a defect \(d\) block of \(k{\mathfrak S}_n\) (with \(p>d\)) its principal indecomposable modules have a common Loewy length of \(2d+1\). It is well-known that the conjecture holds for \(d=1\) and \textit{J. Scopes} [Q. J. Math., Oxf. II. Ser. 46, No. 182, 201-234 (1995; Zbl 0835.20022)] verified it for \(d=2\). Here, expanding upon work of the first author and \textit{L. Russell} [J. Algebra 185, No. 2, 440-480 (1996; Zbl 0894.20016)], the authors investigate the defect 3 case. The authors first consider the principal block of \(k{\mathfrak S}_{3p}\) where they show that the Ext-quiver is bipartite and the principal indecomposable modules have common Loewy length 7. They then consider the more general case of a defect 3 block \(B\) of \(k{\mathfrak S}_n\) and a defect 3 block \(\widetilde B\) of \(k{\mathfrak S}_{n-1}\) that form a \([3:1]\)-pair and show that if the bipartite and Loewy length 7 properties hold for \(\widetilde B\) then they also do for \(B\). Using this result, they show inductively that the principal block of \(k{\mathfrak S}_n\) satisfies these properties for \(3p<n<4p\).