Nilpotent linear spaces in <i>M</i> ₄ ( <i>F</i> ) (Q6907576)

This paper extends and completes the classification of maximal nilpotent linear subspaces of \(M_4(F)\), the algebra of \(4\times4\) matrices over a field \(F\) with at least three elements. Building upon the work of \textit{M. Gerstenhaber} [Am. J. Math. 80, 614--622 (1958; Zbl 0085.26204); Ann. Math. (2) 70, 167--205 (1959; Zbl 0168.28103); Ann. Math. (2) 75, 382--418 (1962; Zbl 0112.26403)], who established upper bounds and structural properties for nilpotent matrix spaces, and on the earlier classification by \textit{M. A. Fasoli} [Commun. Algebra 25, No. 6, 1919--1932 (1997; Zbl 0879.15011)] for \(M_4(\mathbb{C})\), the authors provide a full characterization of such subspaces up to similarity.\N\NThe paper begins with a review of classical results concerning nilpotent matrix spaces, including Gerstenhaber's bound \(\dim(V)\le n(n-1)/2\), the conditions for triangularizability, and several trace identities that characterize nilpotent matrices. Using the results of \textit{B. Mathes} et al. [Linear Algebra Appl. 149, 215--225 (1991; Zbl 0722.15016)] the authors recall general properties of traces in nilpotent linear spaces. A conjecture is then formulated and verified for \(n\le 4\): every maximal nilpotent linear subspace of \(M_n(F)\) contains a matrix whose nilindex equals \(n\). The conjecture is confirmed when \(F\) has at least three elements.\N\NIn Section 2, all maximal nilpotent subspaces of \(M_3(F)\) are described. Up to similarity, they are:\N\begin{itemize}\N\item[1.] The space of strictly upper triangular \(3\times3\) matrices;\N\item[2.] A two-dimensional space spanned by \(J_3\) and \(E_{21}-E_{32}\);\N\item[3.] A four-element space spanned by \(J_3\) and \(E_{31}+E_{23}\) (over \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)).\N\end{itemize}\N\NSection 3 presents the main results: the complete classification of maximal nilpotent subspaces of \(M_4(F)\). Through detailed analysis involving Jordan canonical forms, stabilizer group actions, and trace constraints, it is shown that any maximal nilpotent subspace of \(M_4(F)\) has rank~3. Up to similarity, there are seven distinct types of such subspaces, denoted \(V_1,\dots,V_7\). The first three (\(V_1,V_2,V_3\)) are induced from the \(3\times3\) case, while the remaining four (\(V_4\)--\(V_7\)) are non-induced spaces of rank 3. The most notable contribution is the identification of a new maximal nilpotent subspace \(V_7\) in \(M_4(\mathbb{C})\), which was not included in Fasoli's classification [loc. cit.], demonstrating that the earlier list was incomplete.\N\NThe authors also examine the special case \(F=\mathbb{Z}_3\), where they find an additional maximal nilpotent subspace \(H\) that complements the seven complex-case families. The maximality of all spaces is verified using determinant and trace conditions that preclude their inclusion in larger nilpotent subspaces.