A characterization of Teichmüller differentials (Q688311)

For a quasiconformal affine mapping \(Tz\) it is trivial (1) that there is a unique rectangular coordinate system whose image is rectangular and (2) that in terms of this pair of systems, \(T\) can be expressed as a pure stretch. Let now \(g:R\to S\) be an orientation preserving homeomorphism between the compact or finitely punctured compact Riemann surfaces \(S\) and \(S\) of hyperbolic type. Starting with the assumption that a condition analogous to property (1) holds, it is shown that the analogue to property (2) follows. More precisely, it is shown by an explicit construction that there is a Teichmüller mapping in the homotopy class of \(g\). The unique-axis-theorem for hyperbolic (pseudo-Anosov) elements of the Teichmüller modular group is a consequence. In the last part of the paper it is shown that the analogue to property (1) in fact holds. This leads to a geometric proof of the Teichmüller mapping theorem.