Tree-irreducible automorphisms of free groups

Publication date 24 June 2013

Abstract: We introduce a new class of automorphisms

v a r p h i

of the non-abelian free group

F_{N}

of finite rank

N g e q 2

which contains all iwips (= fully irreducible automorphisms), but also any automorphism induced by a pseudo-Anosov homeomorphism of a surface with arbitrary many boundary components. More generally, there may be subgroups of

F_{N}

of rank

g e q 2

on which

v a r p h i

restricts to the identity. We prove some basic facts about such {em tree-irreducible} automorphisms, and show that, together with Dehn twist automorphisms, they are the natural basic building blocks from which any automorphism of

F N

can be constructed in a train track set-up. We then show: {�f Theorem:} {it Every tree-irreducible automorphism of

F_{N}

has induced North-South dynamics on the Thurston compactification

of Outer space.} Finally, we define a "blow-up" construction on the vertices of a train track map, which, starting from iwips, produces tree-irreducible automorphisms which in general are not iwip.

This page was built for publication: Tree-irreducible automorphisms of free groups

Report a bug (only for logged in users!)Click here to report a bug for this page (MaRDI item Q6242878)