Matrices and set intersections

The incidence matrix of a (υ, k, λ)-design is a (0, 1)-matrix A of order υ that satisfies the matrix equation AA^T=(k?λ)I+λJ, where A^T denotes the transpose of the matrix A, I is the identity matrix of order υ, J is the matrix of 1's of order υ, and υ, k, λ are integers such that 0<λ<k<υ?1. This matrix equation along with various modifications and generalizations has been extensively studied over many years. The theory presents an intriguing joining together of combinatorics, number theory, and matrix theory. We survey a portion of the recent literature. We discuss such varied topics as integral solutions, completion theorems, and λ-designs. We also discuss related topics such as Hadamard matrices and finite projective planes. Throughout the discussion we mention a number of basic problems that remain unsolved.