The structure of rank 3 permutation modules for \(O^\pm_{2n}(2)\) and \(U_m(2)\) acting on nonsingular points. (Q651244)

If \(G\) is a finite symplectic, orthogonal or unitary group, then its natural action on the set of singular points of its standard module has been well studied. In particular the action always has rank \(3\) [see \textit{W. M. Kantor} and \textit{M. W. Liebeck}, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 271, 1-71 (1982; Zbl 0514.20033)]. On the other hand the action of \(G\) on the set of nonsingular points has rank \(3\) if and only if \(G\) is one of the orthogonal groups \(O_{2n}^\pm(2)\) (with \(n\geq 3\)) or one of the unitary groups \(U_m(2)\) (with \(m\geq 4\)). The object of the present paper is to describe the structure of these permutation modules over an algebraic closed field \(\mathbb F\) of odd characteristic. Specifically let \(G=O_{2n}^\pm(2)\) (with \(n\geq 3\)) or \(U_m(2)\) (with \(m\geq 4\)) and let \(P\) be the set of nonsingular points of its standard module. Then the socle series, submodule lattices and dimensions of compositions factors are determined for the \(\mathbb FG\)-module \(\mathbb FP\) (with \(G\) acting naturally on \(P\)) in each case. There is a distinct difference between the cases where \(\text{char}(\mathbb F)=3\) and where \(\text{char}(\mathbb F)>3\); the structures of the modules in the latter case are simpler.