Finite Singular Orbit Modules for Algebraic Groups

Abstract

Building on the classification of modules for algebraic groups with finitely many orbits on subspaces, we determine all faithful irreducible modules for simple and maximal-semisimple connected algebraic groups that are orthogonal and have finitely many orbits on singular $1$-spaces. This question is naturally connected with the problem of finding for which pairs of subgroups $H,K$ of an algebraic group $G$ there are finitely many $(H,K)$-double cosets. This paper provides a solution to the question when $K$ is a maximal parabolic subgroup $P_1$ of a classical group $SO_n$. We find an interesting range of new examples ranging from a $5$-dimensional module for $SL_2$ to the spin module for $B_6$ in characteristic $2$.