Closed incompressible surfaces of genus two in 3-bridge knot complements (Q1009760)

By \textit{A. E. Hatcher} and \textit{W. Thurston} [Invent. Math. 79, 225--246 (1985; Zbl 0602.57002)], the only closed incompressible surfaces in the complements of 2-bridge knots are peripheral tori. Such a classification was extended to 2-bridge links by \textit{W. Floyd} and \textit{A. E. Hatcher} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 305, No.~2, 575--599 (1988; Zbl 0672.57006)]. The paper under review characterizes closed incompressible surfaces of genus two in the complements of \(3\)-bridge knots and links. Let \(F\) be a closed incompressible surface in the complement of a 3-bridge knot or link \(K\). By meridional compressions, if necessary, only three types of meridionally incompressible surfaces remain: (I) a genus two closed surface disjoint from \(K\); (II) a torus intersecting \(K\) in two points; (III) a sphere intersecting \(K\) in four points. According to these types, the determination of surfaces is described. First, put the knot in bridge position. Unless the knot is split or composite, some level sphere meets \(F\) essentially. Cutting along this level sphere, the argument is reduced to a 3-string trivial tangle. Thus the determination of incompressible and meridionally incompressible surfaces in a 3-string trivial tangle becomes necessary. This consists of 18 types of surfaces described by figures. As a byproduct, essential 2-string tangle decompositions for 3-bridge knots and links are determined.