any $2$-dimensional rep of a finite, non-abelian simple group is trivial

Solution 1:

Okay, we're going to have to use some heavy artillery to start off, but I can't think of another way to begin.

Suppose $\rho: G\to \text{GL}_{2} (\mathbb{C})$ is nontrivial. Observe that since $G$ is simple and the representation is nontrivial, we must have $\text{ker} \, \rho =\text{ker}\, \chi = (e)$ (where $\chi$ is the character of this representation). The Feit-Thompson Theorem (!!!) tells us $|G|$ is even. By Cauchy's Theorem, $G$ must have an element $x$ of order $2$.

Now, define $$\hat{\rho}: G \to \text{GL}_{1} (\mathbb{C}) \cong \mathbb{C}^{\times}$$ by $\hat{\rho}(g) = \text{det} (\rho(g))$. Evidently, $\hat{\rho}$ is a homomorphism, hence it gives a degree 1 representation of $G$. We know this representation must be trivial. In other words, $\text{det} (\rho(g)) = 1$ for all $g\in G$. That said, we also know that $\rho(x)^2 = \text{Id}$. The set of eigenvalues of $\rho(x)$ is either $\{1, 1\}$, $\{1,-1\}$, or $\{-1,-1\}$. The first possibility is out of the question, since $\text{ker} \chi = (e)$. The second possibility cannot occur, since then $\text{det} (\rho(x)) = -1$. Thus, the eigenvalues of $\rho(x)$ are $\{-1, -1\}$. The characteristic polynomial of $\rho(x)$ is $(X+1)^2$, and $\rho(x)$ also satisfies $X^2 - 1$. Since the minimal polynomial of $\rho(x)$ must divide both of these, it follows $\rho(x)$ satisfies $X+1$, i.e. $\rho(x) = -\text{Id}$.

Lastly, since $\rho(x)$ is a scalar multiple of the identity, it commutes with any matrix. In particular, for any $g\in G$, we have $$\rho(g) \rho(x) = \rho(x) \rho(g) \implies \rho(gxg^{-1} x^{-1}) = \text{Id}$$ Triviality of $\text{ker} \, \rho$ implies $gxg^{-1} x^{-1} = e$ for all $g\in G$, hence $x\in Z(G)$. Accordingly, $Z(G)$ is a nontrivial normal subgroup of $G$, so it must equal $G$. But $G$ is non-abelian by assumption.

Solution 2:

Using a lot less machinery:

Such a representation must land in $SL_2(\mathbb C)$, and finite subgroups of $SL_2(\mathbb C)$ are completely classified (they are either cyclic, dihedral, tetrahedral, octahedral or isocahedral). None of these groups are simple, unless cyclic of prime order.

One can prove this classification by letting a finite subgroup $G$ of $SL_2(\mathbb C)$ act on the Riemann sphere $\mathbb P^1$. One can compare the Riemann-Hurwitz formula for the morphism $\mathbb P^1 \to \mathbb P^1/G$ to the class equation of $G$ to deduce bounds on the individual terms appearing in the class equation, thus narrowing down the possible groups.

Solution 3:

This is exercise 3.3 in Character Theory of Finite Groups by Isaacs. It is easily deduced from the following facts:

• Because $G$ is perfect, $\chi$ has image in $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$;
• Because $\chi$ is irreducible, $\chi(1)$ divides $|G|$;
• The only element of order $2$ in $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ is $-I$ (which is central).