CU Algebraic Lie Theory Seminar

Semisimple symplectic characters of finite unitary groups

Ryan Vinroot, College of William and Mary

March 10, 2009
2-3pm
Math 220

Abstract

Let G = U(2m, F_q²) be the finite unitary group, with q the power of an odd prime p. We prove that the number of irreducible complex characters of G with degree not divisible by p and with Frobenius--Schur indicator -1 is q^m-1. We also obtain a combinatorial formula for the value of any character of U(n, F_q²) at any central element, using the characteristic map of the finite unitary group.