Cusp transitivity in hyperbolic 3-manifolds (Q2025649)

This paper is interested in cusped, finite volume hyperbolic 3-manifolds \(M\) whose isometry group induces a \(k\)-transitive action on the set of cusps. A \(k\)-transitive action on the cusps is one where, for any two ordered \(k\)-tuples \((x_1, \ldots, x_k)\) and \((y_1, \ldots, y_k)\) of distinct cusps, there is an isometry \(g\) of \(M\) so that \(g(x_i) = y_i\) for \(1 \leq i \leq k\). This paper follows one of \textit{R. Vogeler} [Topol. Proc. 57, 25--36 (2021; Zbl 1445.57010)], who gave examples of \(M\) for \(k=1,2,3,4\) and showed that there is no bound on the number of cusps when \(M\) is 2-transitive. Specifically, this paper shows that \(k \leq 5\), and that in the event that \(k=5\) (respectively \(k=4\)), \(M\) must have 5 (respectively 4) cusps. The authors also give restrictions on \(M\) in the event that \(k=3\), including that if the action is \(3\)-transitive and not \(4\)-transitive, then \(M\) has 3, 5, 6 or 8 cusps. The proofs of these results make use of the group theory of finite groups and permutation groups. For example, the result for \(k=5\) comes from fixing one cusp and considering the subgroup which acts \((k-1)\)-transitively on the other cusps. The properties of this group imply that \(k-1\) is at most 4. The paper concludes by giving examples, as links in \(S^3\), of many of the cases which were shown to be possible. The paper does not give exhaustive lists, and leaves open the question of how many examples exist in various cases.