HNN extensions and embedding theorems for groups

Limits, profinite groups (20E18) Residual properties and generalizations; residually finite groups (20E26) Hyperbolic groups and nonpositively curved groups (20F67) Hyperbolic 3-manifolds (57K32)

Review text

This survey describes the contents and legacy of the paper of \textit{G.~Higman} et al. [J. Lond. Math. Soc. 24, 247--254 (1950; Zbl 0034.30101)], introducing what are now known as HNN extensions. The basic construction starts with an isomorphism \(\mu\to B\) between subgroups of a group \(G\) and realizes it as conjugacy in a larger group \(H\) containing \(G\), with an element \(t\in H\) such that \(t^{-1}at=\mu(a)\) for all \(a\in A\). The article also discusses the extension of this construction to families of isomorphisms between subgroups.\N\NThe first part follows the structure of the original paper. It explains how HNN extensions are used to embed every torsion-free group in a group in which all nontrivial elements are conjugate, yielding countable torsion-free infinite simple groups, and how every countable group can be embedded in a two-generator group without increasing the number of defining relations.\N\NThe second part surveys later developments arising from HNN extensions. It treats their role in the word problem and in Higman's Embedding Theorem, and then turns to decompositions of groups coming from topology. This leads to van Kampen's theorem, graphs of groups, and Bass-Serre theory, where HNN extensions appear as one of the fundamental forms of group action on a tree.

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