Dynamical systems and the homology norm of a 3-manifold. I: Efficient intersection of surfaces and flows (Q1191879)

Using the recently developed concept of essentially laminations on a 3- manifold by \textit{D. Gabai} and \textit{U. Oertel} [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 130, No. 1, 41-73 (1989; Zbl 0685.57007)], the author proves the following theorem concerning efficient intersection of flows and surfaces: Let \(M\) be a closed, oriented, homotopically atoroidal 3-manifold and \(\phi\) a pseudo-Anosov flow on \(M\), and suppose that \(\phi\) is quasi- geodesic. Let \(S\subset M\) be an oriented, incompressible surface. Then there is a full set of period orbits \(\{\gamma_ i\}\) of \(\phi\) such that if \(\Lambda^ s\) and \(\lambda^ u\) are obtained by the double \(DA\) construction on \(\{\gamma_ i\}\), then \(S\) can be isotoped so that \(S\) is transverse to \(\Lambda^ s\), \(\Lambda^ u\) and \(\Phi\), and \((\lambda^ s,\lambda^ u)=(\Lambda^ s\cap S,\Lambda^ u\cap S)\) is a biessential pair of laminations on \(S\). The authors then reduce this theorem to a technical one which asserts: Suppose that \(\phi\) is quasi-geodesic. For any incompressible surface \(S\) there exists a full set \(\{\gamma_ i\}\) of periodic orbits such that if \(\Lambda_ 0=\Lambda^ s\), \(\Lambda_ 1=\Lambda^ u\) are obtained by the double \(DA\) operation on the full set \(\{\gamma_ i\}\), then after performing an isotopy of \(S\), there is a pair of branched surfaces \(B_ 0\), \(B_ 1\) carrying \(\Lambda_ 0\), \(\Lambda_ 1\) and transverse to \(S\), such that the set \({\mathcal P}(S;B_ 0,B_ 1)\) is finite. Further details of the terms and notations used will be found in this interesting paper.