The Thurston norm and twisted Alexander polynomials (Q890753)

The Thurston norm is a seminorm on the first integer cohomology of a three-manifold \(N\), defined in terms of the Euler characteristic of surfaces representing the cohomology class \(\phi\). Given also a representation \(\alpha\) of \(\pi_1(N)\), the twisted Reidemeister torsion assigns a complex Laurent polynomial to the triple \((N,\phi,\alpha)\) (also called the twisted Alexander polynomial). \textit{S. Friedl} and \textit{T. Kim} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 360, No. 9, 4597--4618 (2008; Zbl 1152.57011)] have previously shown that the degree of the twisted Reidemeister torsion gives a lower bound on the Thurston norm of \(N\). This paper proves the following: With the exception of closed graph manifolds, given \(N\) there is a uniform choice of unitary representation \(\alpha\) that factors through a finite group for which the degree of the twisted Reidemeister torsion exactly determines the Thurston norm of all \(\phi\). The proof uses work of \textit{I. Agol} [J. Topol. 1, No. 2, 269--284 (2008; Zbl 1148.57023); Doc. Math., J. DMV 18, 1045--1087 (2013; Zbl 1286.57019)], of \textit{P. Przytycki} and \textit{D. Wise} [``Mixed 3-manifolds are virtually special'', Preprint, \url{arXiv:1205.6742}] and of \textit{D. Wise} [``The structure of groups with a quasiconvex hierarchy'', Preprint (2012); Electron. Res. Announc. Math. Sci. 16, 44--55 (2009; Zbl 1183.20043)] to show that \(\pi_1(N)\) is virtually RFRS and therefore \(N\) has a `nice' covering space that can be used in defining the representation \(\alpha\). Related results are also discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of how this result can be used to algorithmically detect the Thurston norm.