This monograph presents a unified exposition of latin squares and
mutually orthogonal sets of latin squares based on groups. Its focus is
on orthomorphisms and complete mappings of finite groups, while also
offering a complete proof of the Hall-Paige conjecture. The use of latin
squares in constructions of nets, affine planes, projective planes, and
transversal designs also motivates this inquiry.
The text begins by introducing fundamental concepts, like the tests for
determining whether a latin square is based on a group, as well as
orthomorphisms and complete mappings. From there, it describes the
existence problem for complete mappings of groups, building up to the
proof of the Hall-Paige conjecture. The third part presents a
comprehensive study of orthomorphism graphs of groups, while the last
part provides a discussion of Cartesian projective planes, related
combinatorial structures, and a list of open problems.
Expanding the author's 1992 monograph, Orthomorphism Graphs of Groups,
this book is an essential reference tool for mathematics researchers or
graduate students tackling latin square problems in combinatorics. Its
presentation draws on a basic understanding of finite group theory,
finite field theory, linear algebra, and elementary number theory--more
advanced theories are introduced in the text as needed.