Lipschitz metric isometries between outer spaces of virtually free groups (Q6113399)

The author proves that given a finite-index subgroup \(H\) of a virtually non-abelian free group \(F\), taking covers induces an embedding from the outer space of \(F\) to the outer space of \(H\). Furthermore, the author shows that this embedding is an isometry with respect to the Lipschitz metric, and that the embedding sends folding paths to folding paths. All of these results generalise corresponding results by \textit{S. Dowdall} and \textit{S. J. Taylor} [J. Topol. 10, No. 2, 447--482 (2017; Zbl 1454.20087)] for the case when \(F\) is a free group. Additionally, the author shows that for certain hyperbolic group elements \(g\) of a virtually non-abelian free group \(F\), the projection of \(g\) to the quotient graph of groups has nice properties, such as having either an embedded simple loop, an embedded figure-eight, an embedded barbell (i.e. two simple loops joined by a segment), an embedded single degenerate barbell or an embedded double degenerate barbell. This extends the corresponding result of \textit{S. Francaviglia} and \textit{A. Martino} [Ill. J. Math. 59, No. 4, 859--899 (2015; Zbl 1382.20031)] for the case of \(F\) a free product. Lastly, the author identifies a deformation retraction of the spine of the outer space for a virtually non-abelian free group with the space considered by \textit{S. Krstić} and \textit{K. Vogtmann} [Comment. Math. Helv. 68, No. 2, 216--262 (1993; Zbl 0805.20030)].