Normal subgroups of \(SL_ 2(k[t])\) with or without free quotients (Q1204536)

This work is concerned with the structure of the normal subgroups of the special linear group \(G=SL_ 2(k[t])\), where \(k\) is a field. It is proved that there are uncountably many normal subgroups \(N\) of \(G\) with a non-trivial non-cyclic, free quotient \(F\) whose rank is infinite when \(k\) is infinite or \(N\) has infinite index in \(G\). It is also shown that there are uncountably many normal subgroups of \(G\) with no free quotients. The results of this paper are based on the theorem of \textit{H. Nagao} describing \(G\) as a non-trivial free product of groups with amalgamated subgroup [J. Inst. Polytechn., Osaka Univ., Ser. A 10, 117-121 (1959; Zbl 0092.025)].