Braided multitwists
Let \(S\) be a surface. Let \(\delta_a,\delta_b\) be the Dehn twists about two simple closed curves \(a,b\). These elements satisfy (up to homotopy) the ``braid relation \(\delta_a\delta_b\delta_a=\delta_b\delta_a\delta_b\) if and only if the curves \(a,b\) can be homotoped so that they cross exactly once. This paper addresses the question when two mapping classes \(g,h\) satisfy the same relation \(ghg=hgh\) in the mapping class group of \(S\).\N\NThe main result (Theorem 1.4) shows that, if \(g,h\) are \textit{multitwists}, namely products of powers of Dehn twists about disjoint curves, then this happens only if every curve for \(g\) intersects at most one curve for \(h\), in at most one place and conversely every curve for \(h\) intersects at most one curve for \(g\), in at most one place.\N\NThis leads to a classification of all embeddings of the braid group \(B_n\) into the mapping class group of \(S\) and the result (Corollary 1.5) is that every such embedding, if it sends \(B_n\)'s standard generators to multitwists, factors as a diagonal of ``standard embeddings (each braid generator \(\sigma_i\) maps to a Dehn twist \(\delta_{c_i}\), such that the curves \(c_i\) intersect once if \(|i-j|=1\) and nonce otherwise) and at most one extra map with cyclic image.\N\NThe proof proceeds by a careful examination of intersection numbers, including Ivanov's ``hidden formula.
- Automorphisms of surface mapping class groups. A recent theorem of N. Ivanov
- Embedding the braid group in mapping class groups.
- Groups generated by positive multi-twists and the fake lantern problem
- scientific article; zbMATH DE number 410385 (Why is no real title available?)
- On groups generated by two positive multi-twists: Teichmüller curves and Lehmer's number
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