An infinite collection of Heegaard splittings that are equivalent after one stabilization (Q1359494)

Let \(F\) be a spanning surface for a knot \(K\) in \(S^3\). If there is an \(S^2\) embedded in \(S^3\) which intersects the surface in two non-separating arcs then we demonstrate how to form a new surface \(F'\) of higher genus. This process may be continued in order to obtain an infinite collection of such surfaces. If the original surface induced a Heegaard splitting of the surgered manifold \(M=K(1/q)\) then the new surfaces will induce Heegaard splittings as well. We demonstrate that any pair of these splittings are equivalent after one stabilization. The examples of Casson and Gordon, manifolds that have an infinite number of irreducible splittings, can be generated by this construction. In particular, we show that these splittings are equivalent after one stabilization.