On 2-fold covers of graphs (Q2477626)

Let \({\mathfrak p}:\widetilde X\to X\) be a regular covering projection of connected simple graph. Questions related to symmetry properties of \(X\) and \(\widetilde X\) are linked with the problem of lifting and projecting automorphisms. If all elements of a subgroup \(G\leq\Aut X\) have a lift, then the collection of all such lifts forms the lifted group \(\widetilde G\leq\Aut\widetilde X\); the projection \({\mathfrak p}\) is called \(G\)-admissible in that case. Let \(\text{CT}({\mathfrak p})\) denote the group of covering transformations. The projection is called \(G\)-split whenever the extension \(\text{CT}({\mathfrak p})\to\widetilde G\to G\) splits. The authors consider 2covers of graphs. They prove results on arc-transitive groups \(G\) with a particular emphasis given to cubic graphs. One of the results states that for cubic symmetric graphs split 2-covers are necessarily canonical double covers when \(G\) is 1-regular or 4-regular.