All Questions
Tagged with at.algebraic-topology geometric-group-theory
54 questions
3
votes
0
answers
93
views
References for variations of Seifert–van Kampen's theorem: HNN extensions and "sensible" intersections
A basic consequence of the Seifert–van Kampen theorem is the following.
Theorem: Consider a union of topological spaces $X$, $Y$ whose intersection $X\cap Y = Z$ is open connected and $\pi_1$-...
- 1,033
4
votes
0
answers
79
views
On the induction step in Theorem 2.6 of "Homological stability for linear groups" by Kallen
I am currently reading the proof of the connectivity theorem of Wilberd van der Kallen (Theorem 2.6 in https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01390018) for a seminar talk. I am a little stuck on ...
- 171
4
votes
0
answers
453
views
Problem 1.8 from Kirby's list
Context
I looked through a book called "Problems in Low-Dimensional Topology", where Rob Kirby lists a set of problems. He provides a list of problems, states their conjectures, and ...
2
votes
2
answers
302
views
When is $\smash{\check{H}}^{q}(X,A;R)\cong H_{c}^{q}(X-A;R)$ for a pair $(X,A)$?
I'm trying to understand the proof of Corollary 1.3 part b. in a paper by Bestvina and Mess titled 'The Boundary of negatively curved groups'. I do not understand why $\smash{\check{H}}^{q}(X,A;R)\...
- 73
2
votes
1
answer
179
views
On the existence, for $\langle X,R\rangle$ a finite presentation of a group $G$, of an exact sequence of $\mathbb{Z}G$ modules
From this Q&A -- for $\langle X,R\rangle$ a finite presentation of a group $G$, there is an exact sequence of $\mathbb{Z}G$ modules
$$0\rightarrow\pi_{2}(Z)\rightarrow \mathbb{Z}G^{\oplus R}\...
3
votes
0
answers
115
views
Finite homology of a homogeneous space
Let $\Gamma$ be a cocompact lattice in $\operatorname{SL}(2,\mathbb R)$ and $X=\operatorname{SL}(2,\mathbb R)/\Gamma$ be the underlying homogeneous space. Can the homology group $H_1(X,\mathbb Z)$ be ...
5
votes
1
answer
512
views
What are the cohomological dimensions of ${\rm Aut}(F_n)$, ${\rm Out}(F_n)$, ${\rm SL}_n(\mathbb{Z})$ over the rationals ℚ and integers ℤ?
$\DeclareMathOperator\Aut{Aut}\DeclareMathOperator\Out{Out}\DeclareMathOperator{\cd}{cd}\DeclareMathOperator\SL{SL}$For a group $G$, the cohomological dimension of $G$ over the ring $R$, denoted by $\...
- 331
7
votes
1
answer
240
views
If the number of ends of Freudenthal space is infinite, then its space of ends is homeomorphic to the Cantor set?
I don't know whether this is the right place to discuss a part of someone's thesis or not. If it is wrong, let me know; I will delete my post.
I am reading this thesis.
Corollary 4.1.15. on page 63 ...
- 1,097
10
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Proving that a countable group is not finitely generated
I would like to learn about techniques for proving that a countable group is not finitely generated. I am also interested in learning about examples. Finally, I am particularly, but not exclusively, ...
- 121
3
votes
0
answers
393
views
What about a Cayley n-complex for n>2?
Let $G$ be a finitely presented group. The Cayley graph of the finite generating set is a $1$-complex where the $0$-cells are the elements of $G$ and the $1$-cells are given by the generators (...
7
votes
2
answers
617
views
Status of the Hopf-Thurston sign conjecture in dimension 4
A famous conjecture in topology asserts:
The Euler characteristic of a closed aspherical $2n$-manifold $M$ satisfies $(-1)^n\chi(M) \geq 0$.
This was conjectured by Hopf for manifolds with non-...
- 11.9k
3
votes
0
answers
128
views
Salvetti complexes and cohomology of affine completion of Artin groups $E_6$ and $E_7$
After the solution of the Brieskorn-Arnold Pham conjecture on the asphericity of a space for affine Artin groups by Paolini and Salvetti MR4243019 (arXiv), I would like to know if there are ...
- 2,630
14
votes
1
answer
340
views
On the homological dimension of a Borel construction
Let $M$ b a closed connected smooth manifold with fundamental group $\Gamma$. Suppose $G$ is a simply-connected Lie group that acts smoothly on $M$. Then the Borel construction $$M//G = M \times_G EG$$...
- 11.9k
6
votes
1
answer
658
views
Generalized Birman exact sequence for surfaces with boundaries
Let $S_g^n$ be a surface of genus g with n boundaries and let $Mod(S_g^n)$ be its mapping class group.
We will also denote by $S_{g,m}^n$ a surface of genus g with n boundaries and m punctures.
The ...
8
votes
2
answers
507
views
Contractible Rips complex from non-hyperbolic group
I heard that the Rips complexes associated to the Cayley graphs of hyperbolic groups are contractible for a sufficiently large radius. Is the converse true? Namely, if a group is non-hyperbolic, then ...
- 903
5
votes
1
answer
336
views
"Simplicial complex" product of groups?
Let $X=(V,E)$ be a graph, and to each vertex $v \in V$, associate a group $G_v$. The graph product of the groups $G_v$ (as defined e.g. here) is $F/R$; the quotient of the free product of the $G_v$ by ...
- 208
1
vote
0
answers
113
views
Question on models for $EG$ for a $G$-CW complex
I am having trouble finding information on a definition in P. Hanham's PhD thesis paper. recall that given a discrete group $G$ a $G$-CW-complex $X$ is a CW-complex equipped with a topological $G$ ...
- 233
5
votes
0
answers
140
views
Reference request: Name or use of this group of diffeomorphisms of the disc
Let $k \in \{0,\infty\}$, $G\subseteq \operatorname{Diff}^k(D^n)$ be the set of diffeomorphisms $\phi:D^n\to D^n$ of the closed $n$-disc $D^n$ (with its boundary) satisfying the following:
$
\phi(S_r^...
- 5,405
13
votes
1
answer
289
views
Powers of the Euler class, torsion free subgroup of Homeo($S^1$)
For any subgroup $G$ of $\text{Homeo}(S^1)$, we have the Euler class $\chi$ in the group cohomology $H^2(G;\mathbb{Z})$. One can think of this class as the pullback of the generator of $H^2(\mathrm{B}\...
- 1,003
12
votes
1
answer
309
views
Dualizing module for $\operatorname{Aut}(F_n)$
In The complex of free factors of a free group (pdf at Hatcher's page), Hatcher and Vogtmann defined a simplicial complex $FC_n$ called the ``complex of free factors'' of the free group $F_n$. They ...
- 965
5
votes
1
answer
280
views
Curvature and asphericity of cube complexes
Let $K$ be a connected cube complex (one may assume that its a cellulation of a smooth, closed manifold). Such a $K$ comes equipped with a length metric (one assumes that each edge is of unit length). ...
- 1,017
3
votes
0
answers
127
views
Methods for constructing or checking for nontrivial classes in de Rham cohomology with local coefficients
Let $M$ be a smooth manifold (possibly with boundary), $E \to M$ a flat vector bundle, and $\mathcal{L}$ the corresponding sheaf of parallel sections.
Given a de Rham cohomology class $[\omega] \in H^...
- 6,025
26
votes
1
answer
615
views
What is the minimal dimension of a complex realising a group representation?
This question is inspired by this one, which was about representations that can be realised homologically by an action on a graph (i.e., a 1-dimensional complex).
Many interesting integral ...
- 10.9k
20
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Cayley graph of $A_5$ with generators $(1,2,3,4,5),(1,4,3,2,5)$
The Cayley graph of $A_5$ with two generators of order 5 seems rather complicated. What is its graph genus (orientable or non-orientable)?
The best I could get by trial and error is an embedding ...
- 24.8k
2
votes
0
answers
185
views
Can the 2-complex associated to a finitely presented group be triangulated?
Let G be a finitely presented group. K is the 2-complex associated to G which is constructed as taught in Algebraic Topology. That is , 1-cells corresponding to generators and 2-cells corresponding to ...
- 325
32
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is the Hurewicz theorem ever used to compute abelianizations?
The Hurewicz theorem tells us that if $X$ is a path-connected space then $H_1(X, \, \mathbb{Z})$ is isomorphic to the abelianisation of $\pi_1(X)$. This gives a potential method for computing the ...
user81684
3
votes
1
answer
267
views
In what sense is every element of $H_2(G)$ "represented by a free action on some surface"
(This is a cross-post of this unanswered math.stackexchange question)
In Edmond's 1982 paper Surface Symmetry II, at the bottom of page 145, he writes:
"Corollary - If $G$ is a split nonabelian ...
- 7,527
3
votes
1
answer
432
views
Relation between conjugacy class, quotient isomorphism class, and signature of Fuchsian groups
Let $\Gamma\le SL(2,\mathbb{Z})$ be a finite index subgroup, not necessarily "congruence".
Let $c_4,c_6$ be the number of conjugacy classes of elements of order 4 and 6 respectively, let $c_{-1}$ be ...
- 7,527
13
votes
1
answer
218
views
The finiteness criterium $F$ under quasi-isometry
A group $G$ is defined to have $F$ if there exists a finite $K(G,1)$.
This property is clearly not invariant under quasi-isometry as one can see from the trivial group and $\mathbb{Z}_2$.
My question:...
- 131
24
votes
1
answer
968
views
Groups whose finite index subgroups of fixed index are isomorphic
I am interested in finitely generated groups $G$ that are residually finite and have the following property: For each $d \geq 1$, $G$ has subgroups of finite index $d$, and all such subgroups are ...
- 11.9k
10
votes
4
answers
578
views
Is the action of $G$ on $H_1(T^n, \mathbb{Z}) = \mathbb{Z}^n$ faithful?
Let $G$ be a finite group of diffeomorphisms of the torus $T^n$ fixing some point $p$, i.e. $p$ is fixed by every element of $G$. I have two questions.
Is the action of $G$ on $H_1(T^n, \mathbb{Z}) = ...
- 101
12
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What is the Status of Borel conjecture today?
Let me recall the conjecture: $M$ and $N$ two aspherical closed $n$-manifolds with isomorphic fundamental groups, then $M$ and $N$ are homeomorphic.
- 205
1
vote
0
answers
278
views
Homology of spherical braid groups
By the spherical braid group, I mean the fundamental group of the configuration space of distinct unordered points in $S^2$. I am wondering what is known about the group homology of the spherical ...
- 116
6
votes
1
answer
406
views
Connection between Stalling's end theorem and Seifert-van Kampen Theorem
Stalling`s end Theorem (a group has more than one end iff it splits over a finite subgroup) and the Seifert-van Kampen Theorem (the fundamental group of a 'decomposable' space is a free amalgamated ...
- 721
13
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Which groups are LERF?
A finitely generated group $G$ is called LERF if every finitely generated $H \leq G$ is closed in the profinite topology on $G$ (equivalently, there is a family of finite index subgroups of $G$ ...
- 11.3k
3
votes
0
answers
421
views
Marshall Hall's theorem for surface groups [closed]
Let $\Gamma_g$ be a surface group of genus $g \geq 2$, that is we have a presentation: $$\Gamma_g = \langle x_1,y_1 \dots, x_g,y_g \vert \prod_{i = 1}^g [x_i,y_i] = 1\rangle$$
Let $H \leq \Gamma_g$ ...
- 11.3k
4
votes
2
answers
337
views
A Karrass-Solitar theorem for surface groups
Let $\Gamma_g$ be a surface group of genus $g \geq 2$. That is, there is a presentation $$\Gamma_g = \langle x_1, y_1, \dots, x_g, y_g \vert \prod_{i = 1}^{g}[x_i,y_i] = 1\rangle$$
Is there a ...
- 11.3k
5
votes
1
answer
264
views
Bases of surface groups
Let $\Gamma_g$ be a surface group of genus $g \geq 2$. A $2g$-tuple $(x_1,y_1, \dots,x_g,y_g) \in \Gamma_g^{2g}$ will be called a Surface Basis if we have the presentation $$\Gamma_g = \langle x_1, ...
- 11.3k
15
votes
1
answer
640
views
Torsion-free group that is not of type F but is virtually of type F
Recall that a group $G$ is of type F if there exists a compact $K(G,1)$.
There are many examples of groups which are not of type F but which are virtually of type F, that is, they have finite-index ...
- 153
4
votes
1
answer
365
views
Topological interpretation for groups of type $FP_2$
A group $G$ is of type $FP_2$ if it admits a partial projective resolution of $\mathbb{Z}G$-modules $$ P_2 \rightarrow P_1 \rightarrow P_0 \rightarrow \mathbb{Z} \rightarrow 0$$ with each $P_i$ being ...
16
votes
2
answers
3k
views
The fundamental group of a closed surface without classification of surfaces?
The fundamental group of a closed oriented surface of genus $g$ has the well-known presentation
$$
\langle x_1,\ldots, x_g,y_1,\ldots ,y_g\vert \prod_{i=1}^{g} [x_i,y_i]\rangle.
$$
The proof I know ...
- 20.9k
11
votes
1
answer
337
views
Growth of Poincaré duality groups
Can one prove that Poincaré duality groups cannot have intermediate growth?
- 4,188
10
votes
2
answers
890
views
Are virtual cubulated groups cubulated?
Suppose $G$ has a finite index subgroup $N$ such that $N$ acts properly and cocompactly on a CAT(0)-cube complex. Does $G$ also act properly and cocompactly on a CAT(0)-cube complex?
Edit: After ...
- 539
8
votes
1
answer
692
views
Classification of geometric outer automorphisms of free groups
Good evening everyone,
an outer automorphism $[\phi]\in Out(F_n)$ is geometric if it is induced by a surface homeomorphism $h\colon M\stackrel{\cong}{\to}M$, where $M$ is a compact surface with ...
- 937
10
votes
1
answer
580
views
Nonhyperbolic groups that contain no free abelian groups or Baumslag-Solitar groups
I've heard it conjectured that a finitely presentable group $G$ is hyperbolic if it satisfies the following two conditions.
$G$ contains no subgroup isomorphic to a Baumslag-Solitar group $BS(n,m)$ (...
- 103
17
votes
3
answers
1k
views
The second homotopy group of a simple CW-complex
Let $X$ be a CW-complex with
one 0-cell
two 1-cells
three 2-cells
no cells in dimensions 3 or higher.
Is it always true that $\pi_2(X)\ne 1$?
- 1,181
10
votes
0
answers
458
views
is a group $G$, that admits finite $k(G, 1)$ and has no Baumslag-Solitar subgroups, necessarily hyperbolic?
This is the first question asked in Bestvina's article "Questions in Geometric Group Theory". Does anyone know if there has been any progress made on this problem? Is the question answered if $G$ is ...
- 101
11
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What are the most general classes of simplicial complexes or posets for which the Charney-Davis conjecture is known, and what is the most general setting for which it might expected to be true?
What I would like to know is exactly what the title asks:
What are the most general classes of
simplicial complexes or posets for
which the Charney-Davis conjecture is
known, and what is the ...
- 7,857
17
votes
1
answer
832
views
Loop spaces and infinite braids
The Artin braid groups $B_n$ and the symmetric groups $S_n$ are closely related by the maps $1 \to P_n \to B_n \to S_n \to 1$. The infinite symmetric group has interesting interactions with homotopy ...
- 2,734
8
votes
2
answers
596
views
Infinite loop space maps into or out of BAut(F_n)
There is an inclusion $S_n \to Aut(F_n)$ from the symmetric group into the automorphism group of a free group. After applying the Quillen +-constriction, both $BS_{\infty}$ and $BF_{\infty}$ become ...
- 2,734