Generalized quadrangles of order \((s, s^2)\). IV. Translations, Moufang and Fong-Seitz (Q6056735)

This is the fourth part of a series of papers by the author on generalized quadrangles of order \((s,s^2)\), the first three of which appeared between 1994 and 1999 [J. Comb. Theory, Ser. A 67, No. 2, 140--160 (1994; Zbl 0808.51010); ibid. 79, No. 2, 223--254 (1997; Zbl 0887.51004); ibid. 87, No. 2, 247--272 (1999; Zbl 0949.51003)]. The main result is as follows. Let \(\mathcal S\) be a finite translation generalized quadrangle of order \((s,s^2)\) which contains a regular line not incident with the translation point. Assume that the kernel of \(\mathcal S\) has order \(q\). If \(q\) is odd, then \(\mathcal S\) is the point-line dual of the translation dual of a semifield flock translation generalized quadrangle. If \(q > 2\) is even, then \(\mathcal S\) is classical. The case \(q = 2\) remains open. The proof is purely geometric and avoids the use of group theory. It can be used to geometrify parts of the classification of finite Moufang quadrangles and of the theorem of Fong and Seitz.