Seminar

The semi-direct product of a finite-rank free group with the integers can often be expressed as such a product in infinitely many ways. This talk will explore this phenomenon and work towards 1) describing the structure of the family of such splittings of a given group, and 2) looking for for relationships between the splittings themselves. Along the way, we'll study dynamical systems ranging from graph maps and cross sections of semi-flows to newly introduced polynomial invariants tying these all together. Time permitting, I'll discuss geometric properties of more general free group extensions. This represents work with Ilya Kapovich and Christopher Leininger, and separately with Samuel Taylor.