Reduction theory of Fuchsian groups (Q2266085)

Let \(\Gamma\) be a Fuchsian group, i.e. a discrete subgroup of the group of isometries of the hyperbolic plane \(H^ 2\). A reduction algorithm for such groups \(\Gamma\) with compact quotient \(\Gamma \setminus H^ 2\), described in the paper, allows to pick out of each \(\Gamma\)-equivalence class of hyperbolic elements a canonical (finite and non-empty) set of representatives which form a cycle in a natural way. In the classical case \(\Gamma =SL_ 2({\mathbb{Z}}),\) the analog of the described theory is Gauß reduction theory of indefinite binary quadratic forms. An important ingredient in the argument which has a definite ''dynamical'' flavor is a construction of two expanding maps on the boundary of \(H^ 2\) associated to the group \(\Gamma\).