Linear actions of $\mathbb{Z}/p\times \mathbb{Z}/p$ on $S^{2n-1}\times S^{2n-1}$

Abstract

For an odd prime $p$, we consider free actions of $(\mathbb{Z}/p{)}^2$ on $S^{2n-1}\times S^{2n-1}$ given by linear actions of $(\mathbb{Z}/p{)}^2$ on ${\mathbb{R}}^{4n}$. Simple examples include a lens space cross a lens space, but $k$-invariant calculations show that other quotients exist. Using the tools of Postnikov towers and surgery theory, the quotients are classified up to homotopy by the $k$-invariants and up to homeomorphism by the Pontrjagin classes. We will present these results and demonstrate how to calculate the $k$-invariants and the Pontrjagin classes from the rotation numbers.

13 pages