On a minimal counterexample to Brauer’s k(B)-conjecture

Abstract

We study Brauer’s long-standing k(B)-conjecture on the number of characters in p-blocks for finite quasi-simple groups and show that their blocks do not occur as a minimal counterexample for p ≥ 5 nor in the case of abelian defect. For p = 3 we obtain that the principal 3-blocks do not provide minimal counterexamples. We also determine the precise number of irreducible characters in unipotent blocks of classical groups for odd primes.