A number-theoretic approach to homotopy exponents of SU(n)

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Publication:863894



Abstract: We use methods of combinatorial number theory to prove that, for each n>1 and any prime p, some homotopy group pii(SU(n)) contains an element of order pn−1+ordp([n/p]!), where ordp(m) denotes the largest integer alpha such that palpha divides m.


This paper contains an improvement of a previous result of the second author [Acta Arith. 122, 91--100 (2006; Zbl 1104.11010)] in combinatorial number theory, concerning properties of Stirling numbers of the second kind. The authors apply it to homotopy theory and prove that, for each \(n\geq 2\) and any prime \(p\), some homotopy group \(\pi_i(SU(n))\) contains an element of order \(p^{n-1+\text{ ord}_p[n/p]!)}\), where \(\text{ ord}_p(m)\) denotes the largest integer \(\alpha\) such that \(p^\alpha| m\). This theorem improves a previous result of the first author [Topology 37, 293--327 (1998; Zbl 0949.55006)].











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