Isoperimetric inequalities for automorphism groups of free groups (Q1814767)

The groups \(\text{Aut}(F_n)\) resp. \(\text{Out}(F_n)\) of automorphisms resp. outer automorphisms of a rank \(n\) free group \(F_n\) are shown to satisfy exponential isoperimetric inequalities. The proof is based on the construction of a simplicial complex \(X\) whose vertices are isotopy classes of systems of 2-spheres in certain specific 3-manifolds -- in the case of \(\text{Out}(F_n)\) an \(n\)-fold connected sum of copies of \(S^1\times S^2\). \(\text{Out}(F_n)\) then can be considered as a group \(\Gamma\) acting on \(X\), \(X/\Gamma\) turns out to be a finite complex which yields isoperimetric inequalities for \(\Gamma\). The constructions produce combings of \(X\). The paper closes with giving an asynchronous bounded combing of the mapping class group of a bounded surface. For basic information and definitions see the monograph ``Word processing in groups'' by \textit{D. B. A. Epstein} et al. (1992; Zbl 0764.20017).