Block algebras with HH1 a simple Lie algebra

Abstract

We show that if $B$ is a block of a finite group algebra $kG$ over an algebraically closed field $k$ of prime characteristic $p$ such that $\HH^1(B)$ is a simple Lie algebra and such that $B$ has a unique isomorphism class of simple modules, then $B$ is nilpotent with an elementary abelian defect group $P$ of order at least $3$, and $\HH^1(B)$ is in that case isomorphic to the Jacobson-Witt algebra $\HH^1(kP)$. In particular, no other simple modular Lie algebras arise as $\HH^1(B)$ of a block $B$ with a single isomorphism class of simple modules.