Divisible linear rank metric codes

Abstract

A subspace of matrices over $\mathbb{F}_{q^e}^{m\times n}$ can be naturally embedded as a subspace of matrices in $\mathbb{F}_q^{em\times en}$ with the property that the rank of any of its matrix is a multiple of $e$. It is quite natural to ask whether or not all subspaces of matrices with such a property arise from a subspace of matrices over a larger field. In this paper we explore this question, which corresponds to studying divisible codes in the rank metric. We determine some cases for which this question holds true, and describe counterexamples by constructing subspaces with this property which do not arise from a subspace of matrices over a larger field.