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A study of (0,n,n+1)-sets and other solutions of the isoperimetric problem in finite projective planes

Citation

Ure, Patricia K. (1996) A study of (0,n,n+1)-sets and other solutions of the isoperimetric problem in finite projective planes. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/jkr3-f689. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09132006-134321

Abstract

This treatise deals with the isoperimetric problem in finite projective planes. We prove that certain sets, called (0,n,n+1)-sets, are solutions to this problem. This class of sets includes all the previously known solutions to the isoperimetric problem, as well as two new types of solutions which exist in every finite projective plane. We prove a characterization theorem for (0,n,n+1)-sets with many points. We solve the isoperimetric problem for large set size, and for q + 3 points if q is even. We find all the (0,n,n+1)-sets in planes of order at most 8 and develop techniques for proving that some (0,n,n+1)-sets in larger order planes do not exist. We solve the isoperimetric problem in the planes of order at most 7 (the solution was known only for planes of order at most 4), proving that nested solutions exist in these planes. We prove that no nested solutions exist in PG(2,8). We give examples of (0,2,3)-sets in planes of order 7, 8 and 16 which are new solutions to the isoperimetric problem not included in the infinite classes mentioned above, and we investigate Latin squares and Steiner triple systems associated with these examples.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Mathematics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Wilson, Richard M.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:5 December 1995
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-09132006-134321
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09132006-134321
DOI:10.7907/jkr3-f689
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:3520
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:13 Sep 2006
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 23:02

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