The finite groups with three automorphism orbits (Q6974432)

This paper gives a complete classification of finite groups whose automorphism group partitions the set of elements into exactly three orbits. This problem was originally posed by \textit{G. Higman} [Ill. J. Math. 7, 79--96 (1963; Zbl 0112.02107)] and has remained open since the earlier classifications of groups with one or two automorphism orbits.\N\NThe authors prove that the only finite groups with exactly three automorphism orbits are either elementary abelian of order \(p^2\) (for a prime \(p\)), or one of finitely many explicitly listed non-abelian groups, including certain Frobenius groups and semidirect products. The classification relies on a detailed structural analysis involving the behavior of conjugacy classes, centralizers and the action of \(\mathrm{Aut}(G)\) on \(G\).\N\NAs an application, the authors classify finite permutation groups of rank \(3\) that are holomorphs of groups. The methods combine classical character-theoretic arguments, the theory of exterior squares and a careful case-by-case analysis of the minimal normal subgroups of \(G\).