Permutation Patterns in Latin Squares

Abstract: In this paper we study pattern avoidance in Latin Squares, which gives us a two dimensional analogue of the well studied notion of pattern avoidance in permutations. Our main results include enumerating and characterizing the Latin Squares which avoid patterns of length three and a generalization of the Erd\H{o}s-Szekeres theorem. We also discuss equivalence classes among longer patterns, and conclude by describing open questions of interest both in light of pattern avoidance and their potential to reveal information about the structure of Latin Squares. Along the way, we show that classical results need not trivially generalize, and demonstrate techniques that may help answer future questions.