Hypermaps: constructions and operations

It is conjectured that given positive integers l, m, n with l-1 + m-1 + n-1 < 1and an integer g ≥ 0, the triangle group Δ = Δ (l, m, n) = ⟨X,Y,Z|X l = Y m =Z n = X Y Z = 1⟩ contains infinitely many subgroups of finite index and of genusg. This conjecture can be rewritten in another form: given positive integers l,m, n with l¡1 +m¡1 +n¡1 < 1 and an integer g ≥ 0, there are infinitely manynonisomorphic compact orientable hypermaps of type (l, m, n) and genus g.We prove that the conjecture is true, when two of the parameters l, m, n areequal, by showing how to construct those hypermaps, and we extend the resultto nonorientable hypermaps.A classification of all operations of finite order in oriented hypermaps isgiven, and a detailed study of one of these operations (the duality operation)is developed. Adapting the notion of chirality group, the duality group ofH can be defined as the minimal subgroup D(H) ≤¦ M on (H) such thatH = D (H) is a self-dual hypermap. We prove that for any positive integer d,we can find a hypermap of that duality index (the order of D (H) ), even whensome restrictions apply, and also that, for any positive integer k, we can find anon self-dual hypermap such that |Mon (H) | = d = k. We call this k the dualitycoindex of the hypermap. Links between duality index, type and genus of aorientably regular hypermap are explored.Finally, we generalize the duality operation for nonorientable regular hypermaps and we verify if the results about duality index, obtained for orientably regular hypermaps, are still valid

On computing Belyi maps

We survey methods to compute three-point branched covers of the projective line, also known as Belyi maps. These methods include a direct approach, involving the solution of a system of polynomial equations, as well as complex analytic methods, modular forms methods, and p-adic methods. Along the way, we pose several questions and provide numerous examples.Comment: 57 pages, 3 figures, extensive bibliography; English and French abstract; revised according to referee's suggestion

Ahlfors circle maps and total reality: from Riemann to Rohlin

This is a prejudiced survey on the Ahlfors (extremal) function and the weaker {\it circle maps} (Garabedian-Schiffer's translation of "Kreisabbildung"), i.e. those (branched) maps effecting the conformal representation upon the disc of a {\it compact bordered Riemann surface}. The theory in question has some well-known intersection with real algebraic geometry, especially Klein's ortho-symmetric curves via the paradigm of {\it total reality}. This leads to a gallery of pictures quite pleasant to visit of which we have attempted to trace the simplest representatives. This drifted us toward some electrodynamic motions along real circuits of dividing curves perhaps reminiscent of Kepler's planetary motions along ellipses. The ultimate origin of circle maps is of course to be traced back to Riemann's Thesis 1851 as well as his 1857 Nachlass. Apart from an abrupt claim by Teichm\"uller 1941 that everything is to be found in Klein (what we failed to assess on printed evidence), the pivotal contribution belongs to Ahlfors 1950 supplying an existence-proof of circle maps, as well as an analysis of an allied function-theoretic extremal problem. Works by Yamada 1978--2001, Gouma 1998 and Coppens 2011 suggest sharper degree controls than available in Ahlfors' era. Accordingly, our partisan belief is that much remains to be clarified regarding the foundation and optimal control of Ahlfors circle maps. The game of sharp estimation may look narrow-minded "Absch\"atzungsmathematik" alike, yet the philosophical outcome is as usual to contemplate how conformal and algebraic geometry are fighting together for the soul of Riemann surfaces. A second part explores the connection with Hilbert's 16th as envisioned by Rohlin 1978.Comment: 675 pages, 199 figures; extended version of the former text (v.1) by including now Rohlin's theory (v.2

Some calculations on the action of groups on surfaces

In this thesis we treat a number of topics related to generation of finite groups with motivation from their action on surfaces. The majority of our findings are presented in two chapters which can be read independently. The first deals with Beauville groups which are automorphism groups of the product of two Riemann surfaces with genus g > 1, subject to some further conditions. When these two surfaces are isomorphic and transposed by elements of G we say these groups are mixed, otherwise they are unmixed. We first examine the relationship between when an almost simple group and its socle are unmixed Beauville groups and then go on to determine explicit examples of several infinite families of mixed Beauville groups. In the second we determine the Mobius function of the small Ree groups 2G2(32m+1) = R(32m+1), where m >0, and use this to enumerate various ordered generating n-tuples of these groups. We then apply this to questions of the generation and asymptotic generation of the small Ree groups as well as interpretations in other categories, such as the number of regular coverings of a surface with a given fundamental group and whose covering group is isomorphic to R(32m+1)

Farey Maps, Spectra and Integer Continued Fractions

We examine the structure of Farey maps, a class of graph embeddings on surfaces that have received significant attention recently. When the Farey graph is embedded in the hyperbolic plane it induces a tessellation by ideal triangles. Farey maps are the quotients of this tessellation by the principal congruence subgroups of the modular group. We describe how the Farey maps of different levels are related to each other through regular coverings and parallel products, and use this to find their complete spectra. We then generalise Farey maps to include those defined by non–principal congruence subgroups of the modular group, finding their spectra and diameter. We also examine a similar class of maps defined by Hecke groups, again obtaining results for their spectra and diameter. Most of this work is the subject of [63], which has been published in Acta Mathematica Universitatis Comenianae. Fundamental to the theory of continued fractions is the fact that every infinite continued fraction with positive integer coefficients converges; however, this is not so if the coefficients are integers which are not necessarily positive. We show that integer continued fractions can be represented as paths on the Farey graph, and use this to develop a simple test that determines whether an integer continued fraction converges or diverges. In addition, for convergent continued fractions, the test specifies whether the limit is rational or irrational. This work, carried out jointly with Ian Short, is the subject of [57], which has been published in the Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society. Finally further work is described, including practical applications of our spectral results, and a search for interesting expansions of real numbers as generalised continued fractions