Pseudo-Hurwitz maps on alternating and symmetric groups (Q6038512)

A theorem of Hurwitz states that if \(G\) is the conformal automorphism group of a compact Riemann surface of genus \(g > 1\), then \(|G| \leq 84 (g-1)\). The upper bound is attained if and only if \(G\) is a finite quotient of the ordinary triangle group \(\langle A, Z \mid A^{2} = Z^{3} = {(AZ)}^{7} = 1 \rangle\). Such groups \(G\) are called Hurwitz groups. \textit{M. D. E. Conder} [J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 22, 75--86 (1980; Zbl 0427.20023)] determined all integers \(n\) for which the alternating group \(A_n\) is a Hurwitz group. A finite smooth quotient of the group \(\langle A, Z \mid A^{2} = Z^{3} = { [ A,Z ] }^{4} = 1 \rangle\) is called a pseudo-Hurwitz group. In the present paper, the authors prove that \(A_n\) is pseudo-Hurwitz for all \(n \geq 21\), and also for \(n \in \{ 18, 19 \}\), moreover, the symmetric group \(S_n\) is pseudo-Hurwitz for all \(n \geq 24\), and also for \(n \in \{ 10, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 \}\).