Sets of type (m, n) in the affine and projective planes of order nine

Abstract

In this paper we give the results of exhaustive computer searches for sets of points of type (m, n) in the projective and affine planes of order nine. In particular, as the list of planes of order nine is known to be complete, our results are also complete. We also examine all known constructions of sets of type (m, n) that apply to the planes of order nine, in an attempt to summarise and extend all existing knowledge about such sets. The contrast between known constructions and our computer results leads us to conclude that sets of type (m, n) are far more numerous than was previously thought.