Simple loops on surfaces and their intersection numbers (Q5893935)

Let \(S\) be a compact orientable surface of finite topological type with or without boundary. The author gives a complete set of relations for a function defined on the set of homotopy classes of essential simple closed curves on \(S\) to be the geometric intersection function defined by a measured foliation (or by a measured lamination) on \(S\). As a consequence, Thurston's space of measured foliations is described using a set of explicit equations. These equations are real semi-algbraic. Interestingly, the defining equations are polynomial in the max-plus semiring, which shows that the space of measured laminations is a tropical variety. At the same time, the space of essential simple closed curves on \(S\) is equipped with a \((\mathbf{Q}P^1, PSL(2,\mathbb{Z})\)) structure. The result of this paper is very interesting.