On generations by conjugate elements in almost simple groups with socle \(^2 F_4(q^2)'\) (Q6146261)

Let \(L\) be a finite simple nonabelian group and let \(x \in \mathrm{Aut}(L)\) be a non-identity automorphism. In [\textit{R. M. Guralnick} and \textit{J. Saxl}, J. Algebra 268, No. 2, 519--571 (2003; Zbl 1037.20016)], the least number \(m\) such that some \(m\) conjugates of \(x\) in \(G=\langle \mathrm{Inn}(L), x \rangle\) to generate \(G\) is denoted by \(\alpha(x,L)\). In the same paper, upper bounds on \(\alpha(x,L)\) were found for every finite simple group \(L\) and every automorphism \(x\) of \(L\) of prime order. These bounds are not always the best possible. The main result in the paper under review is Theorem 1: Let \(L={}^2 F_4(q^2)'\), where \(q^{2}=2^{2n+1}\). Then \(\alpha(x, L) \leq 4\) for every \(x \in \mathrm{Aut}(L)\) of prime order. This strengthens the Guralnick-Saxl bound \(\alpha(x,L) \leq 7\).