On the placement problem of Reeb components (Q799983)

Let \({\mathcal F}\) be a codimension-one smooth foliation on a three-sphere \(S^ 3\). By \textit{S. P. Novikov}'s theorem [Tr. Mosk. Mat. O.-va 14, 248- 278 (1965; Zbl 0247.57006)], there exists a Reeb component in \({\mathcal F}\) and the entire set of Reeb components of \({\mathcal F}\) is ''knotted'' in \(S^ 3\) in the sense of Novikov. We study the placement problem of Reeb components in \(S^ 3\) and have certain fundamental results about the structure of codimension-one smooth foliations on \(S^ 3\). We prove a decomposition theorem with respect to a codimension-one smooth foliation on \(S^ 3\) which also asserts that the decomposition is represented by a directed linear graph. The associated graph with a foliation must satisfy some conditions and conversely there exists a smooth foliation on \(S^ 3\) whose associated graph is the given graph satisfying the conditions. We call (the cores of) all Reeb components in a codimension-one smooth foliation on \(S^ 3\) a Reeb link. Then it follows that a fibred link is a Reeb link by the standard technique, winding (the ends of) the fibres. So it is natural to consider what conditions on the given foliation on \(S^ 3\) imply the Reeb link is fibred. We construct some examples which we need in order to realize a smooth foliation according to the given graph; we also construct Reeb knots (with smooth foliations) which are ''vertexwise fibred'' but are not fibred.