Rank 72 high minimum norm lattices

Given a polarization of an even unimodular lattice and integer k⩾1, we define a family of unimodular lattices L(M,N,k). Of special interest are certain L(M,N,3) of rank 72. Their minimum norms lie in {4,6,8}. Norms 4 and 6 do occur. Consequently, 6 becomes the highest known minimum norm for rank 72 even unimodular lattices. We discuss how norm 8 might occur for such a L(M,N,3). Our method constructs such L(M,N,k) in dimensions 96, 120 and 128 with minimum norms 8.