An algebraic annulus theorem (Q5929051)

The authors prove the following analogue for hyperbolic groups of the annulus theorem for 3-manifolds: Theorem. Let \(G\) be a torsion-free hyperbolic group with one end. Suppose that \(G\) has an infinite cyclic subgroup such that the number of ends of the pair \((G,H)\) is greater than one. Then \(G\) splits over some infinite cyclic subgroup. Corollary. Let \(G'\) be a subgroup of finite index in a torsion-free hyperbolic group \(G\). Then \(G\) splits over an infinite cyclic group iff \(G'\) splits over an infinite cyclic group. The proof of the above Theorem is divided into two cases. The first one is when \(G\) has an infinite cyclic subgroup \(H\) such that the number of ends of the pair \((G,H)\) is greater or equal to 3. The second one for the other cases. Moreover, the proofs are different in those two cases. The methods of proofs use an extension of the general theory of patterns and tracks in 2-complexes. This theory was introduced by \textit{M. J. Dunwoody} [in Invent. Math. 81, 449-457 (1985; Zbl 0572.20025)]. Finally, the authors mention that the above result has also been proved by \textit{B. H. Bowditch} [in Acta Math. 180, No. 2, 145-186 (1998; Zbl 0911.57001)] by a different method. Also, they mention that the results have been generalized to the case of arbitrary finitely presented groups and splittings over virtually polycyclic groups [cf. \textit{M. J. Dunwoody} and \textit{E. L. Swenson}, Invent. Math. 140, No. 3, 605-637 (2000; Zbl 1017.20034)].