On finite index subgroups of a universal group (Q1959076)

A finite covolume discrete group of isometries of hyperbolic 3-space \(H^3\) is said to be \textit{universal} if every closed oriented 3-manifold \(M^3\) occurs as a quotient space \(M^3=H^3/G\), where \(G\) is a finite index subgroup of the universal group. It was originally shown in a paper by Hilden, Lozano, Montesinos and Whitten that \(U\), the orbifold group of the Borromean rings with singular angle 90 degrees is universal. Therefore, an interesting but quite difficult problem is to classify the finite index subgroups of \(U\). The authors show: Theorem 5.2. For any integer \(n\) there is an index \(n\) subgroup of \(U\) generated by rotations.