A proof of the simple connectivity at infinity of \(\text{Out }F_4\) (Q1963991)

Let \(G\) be a finitely presented group with a presentation \(\langle X;R\rangle\). Let \(\Gamma\) denote the standard 2-complex corresponding to the given presentation and \(\widetilde\Gamma\) its universal cover. \(\widetilde\Gamma\) is called simply connected at infinity if, for any compact set \(C\subseteq\widetilde\Gamma\), there is a compact set \(D\supseteq C\) such that any loop in \(\widetilde\Gamma\setminus D\) is homotopically trivial in \(\widetilde\Gamma\setminus C\). It is known that this property does not depend on the presentation. Vogtmann proved that \(\text{Out }F_n\) is simply connected at infinity for \(n\geq 5\). The author proves that the group \(\text{Out }F_4\) is simply connected in infinity, too. The author notes that recently Bestvina et al. have completely answered the question of the higher connectivity at infinity of \(\text{Out }F_n\) by using a Morse theoretic approach on ``outer spaces''. The proof given by the author in the case considered looks conceptually simpler and more concrete. He uses only elementary methods of geometric group theory.