Infinite families of 2-designs from GA_1(q) actions

Group action is a standard approach to obtain $t$-designs. In this approach, selecting a specific permutation group with a certain degree of transitivity or homogeneity and a proper set of base blocks is important for obtaining $t$-$(v, k, \lambda)$ designs with computable parameters $t, v, k$, and $\lambda$. The general affine group $\GA_1(q)$ is $2$-transitive on $\gf(q)$, and has relatively a small size. In this paper, we determine the parameters of a number of infinite families of $2$-designs obtained from the action of the group $\GA_1(q)$ on certain base blocks, and demonstrate that some of the $2$-designs give rise to linear codes with optimal or best parameters known. Open problems are also presented.