Another new approach to the small Ree groups. (Q5962099)

The Ree groups \(^2G_2(3^{2n+1})\) and \(^2F_4(2^{2n+1})\) were originally discovered by \textit{R. Ree} [in Am J. Math. 83, 432-462 (1961; Zbl 0104.24705) and Bull. Am. Math. Soc. 67, 115-116 (1961; Zbl 0104.24703), respectively]. They were constructed as the fixed points of certain automorphisms of order 2 of Chevalley groups \(G_2(3^{2n+1})\) and \(F_4(2^{2n+1})\), respectively. In [Proc. Edinb. Math. Soc, II. Ser. 53, No. 2, 531-542 (2010; Zbl 1205.20012)], the author provided a new construction of the groups \(^2G_2(3^{2n+1})\) using the so-called octopus algebra. In the present paper, he simplifies this construction. Some similar constructions for the Suzuki groups \(^2B_2(2^{2n+1})\) and the Ree groups \(^2F_4(2^{2n+1})\) are given by the author [in Math. Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 148, No. 3, 425-428 (2010; Zbl 1204.20007) and J. Algebra 323, No. 5, 1468-1481 (2010; Zbl 1206.20015), respectively].