A simple construction of finitely generated infinite torsion groups
Let \(G\) be a periodic group. A fundamental question, posed by \textit{W. Burnside} [Quart. J. 33, 230--238 (1902; JFM 33.0149.01)] asks whether \(G\) must be finite if it is finitely generated. A partial answer was later given by \textit{I. Schur}, who proved that every finitely generated torsion subgroup of \(\mathrm{GL}_n(\mathbb{C})\) is finite [Berl. Ber. 1911, 619--627 (1911; JFM 42.0155.01)].\N\NIn this short note, the author provides a new elementary proof of the theorem by \textit{E. S. Golod} [Am. Math. Soc., Translat., II. Ser. 48, 103--106 (1965; Zbl 0215.39202)] asserting the existence of infinite finitely generated periodic groups. Unlike the original construction, which relies on the Golod-Shafarevich inequality for graded algebras, the author's approach is purely group-theoretic and conceptually elementary.\N\NDespite extensive work in the area, no accessible construction of an infinite finitely generated group of finite exponent is currently known. The first such groups were constructed by \textit{P. S. Novikov} and \textit{S. I. Adyan} [Math. USSR, Izv. 2, 209--236, 241--480, 665--685 (1969; Zbl 0194.03301); translation from Izv. Akad. Nauk SSSR, Ser. Mat. 32, 212--244, 251--524, 709--731 (1968)] who proved that certain finitely generated periodic groups of large odd exponent are infinite. This was a breakthrough that required highly non-trivial combinatorial methods. The shortest available proof, due to \textit{A. Yu. Olshanskii} [Math. USSR, Sb. 46, 203--236 (1983; Zbl 0539.20020); translation from Mat. Sb., Nov. Ser. 118(160), 203--235 (1982)] remains technically demanding. In contrast, the constructions of \textit{S. V. Aleshin} [Math. Notes 11, 199--203 (1972; Zbl 0253.20049)] and \textit{R. I. Grigorchuk} [Funct. Anal. Appl. 14, 41--43 (1980; Zbl 0595.20029); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 14, No. 1, 53--54 (1980)] as well as a streamlined adaptation of Golod's method by \textit{A. Yu. Olshanskii} [Groups -- Korea '94. Proceedings of the international conference, Pusan, Korea, August 18--25, 1994. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. 263--265 (1995; Zbl 0864.20024)] are significantly more approachable, though the resulting groups do not have finite exponent.\N\NThe core of the proof relies on a careful use of group presentations and the Nielsen-Schreier formula. By tracking the behavior of deficiency under finite-index subgroups and suitable quotients, the author constructs a directed system of finitely presented groups in which torsion is introduced step by step, while preserving enough algebraic structure to ensure infiniteness in the limit. The resulting group is infinite and periodic (but not of finite exponent).\N\NThe major challenge thus remains to achieve a relatively elementary and transparent construction of finitely generated infinite groups of bounded exponent.
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