On the Structure of the $q$-Fano Plane

Abstract

The $q$-Fano plane is the $q$-analog of the Steiner system $S(2,3,7)$. For any given prime power $q$ it is not known whether the $q$-Fano plane exists or not. We consider the structure of the $q$-Fano plane for any given $q$ and conclude that most of its structure is known. Even so, we were unable to determine whether it exists or not. A special attention is given for the case $q=2$ which was considered by most researchers before.