On (p a , p b , p a , p a-b )-Relative Difference Sets

This paper provides new exponent and rank conditions for the existence of abelian relative (p^a,p^b,p^a,p^a–b)-difference sets. It is also shown that no splitting relative (2^2c,2^d,2^2c,2^2c–d)-difference set exists if d > c and the forbidden subgroup is abelian. Furthermore, abelian relative (16, 4, 16, 4)-difference sets are studied in detail; in particular, it is shown that a relative (16, 4, 16, 4)-difference set in an abelian group G Z₈ × Z₄ × Z₂ exists if and only if exp(G) 4 or G = Z₈ × (Z₂)³ with N Z₂ × Z₂.