Rational linear subspaces of hypersurfaces over finite fields

Abstract

Let $X \subset \mathbb{P}^n$ be a hypersurface of degree $d$ defined over a finite field of characteristic $p > 0$. We prove that if $n \ge r + \binom{d+r}{r+1}$, then $X$ contains a rational $r$-plane. We prove better bounds when $X$ is smooth and $p$ is sufficiently large. We also present experimental data regarding the existence of rational lines on cubic threefolds over $\mathbb{F}_7$, $\mathbb{F}_8$, and $\mathbb{F}_9$. In particular, we construct an example of a smooth cubic threefold over $\mathbb{F}_7$ with exactly $8$ rational lines. It remains an open question whether smooth cubic threefolds over $\mathbb{F}_7$, $\mathbb{F}_8$, and $\mathbb{F}_9$ always contain a rational line.