Two-generation of traceless matrices over finite fields

Abstract

We prove that the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{sl}_n(\textbf{F}_q)$ of traceless matrices over a finite field of characteristic $p$ can be generated by $2$ elements with exceptions when $(n, p)$ is $(3, 3)$ or $(4,2)$. In the latter cases, we establish curious identities that obstruct $2$-generation.