Some remarks on unipotent automorphisms

Abstract

An automorphism $alpha$ of the group $G$ is said to be $n$-unipotent if $[g,_nalpha]=1$ for all $gin G$‎. ‎In this paper we obtain some results related to nilpotency of groups of $n$-unipotent automorphisms of solvable groups‎. ‎We also show that‎, ‎assuming the truth of a conjecture about the representation theory of solvable groups raised by P‎. ‎Neumann‎, ‎it is possible to produce‎, ‎for a suitable prime $p$‎, ‎an example of a f.g‎. ‎solvable group possessing a group of $p$-unipotent automorphisms which is isomorphic to an infinite Burnside group‎. ‎Conversely we show that‎, ‎if there exists a f.g‎. ‎solvable group $G$ with a non nilpotent $p$-group $H$ of $n$-automorphisms‎, ‎then there is such a counterexample where $n$ is a prime power and $H$ has finite exponent‎.