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Rigidity of high dimensional graph manifolds (1107.2019v2)

Published 11 Jul 2011 in math.DG, math.GR, and math.GT

Abstract: We define the class of high dimensional graph manifolds. These are compact smooth manifolds supporting a decomposition into finitely many pieces, each of which is diffeomorphic to the product of a torus with a finite volume hyperbolic manifold with toric cusps. The various pieces are attached together via affine maps of the boundary tori. We require all the hyperbolic factors in the pieces to have dimension at least 3. Our main goal is to study this class of graph manifolds from the viewpoint of rigidity theory. We show that, in high dimensions, the Borel conjecture holds for our graph manifolds. We also show that smooth rigidity holds within the class: two graph manifolds are homotopy equivalent if and only if they are diffeomorphic. We introduce the notion of irreducible graph manifolds, which form a subclass which has better coarse geometric properties. We establish some structure theory for finitely generated groups which are quasi-isometric to the fundamental group of an irreducible graph manifold: any such group has a graph of groups splitting with strong constraints on the edge and vertex groups. Finally, we prove that in every dimension >3 there exist examples of irreducible graph manifolds which do not support any locally CAT(0) metric.

Citations (40)

Summary

  • The paper establishes that high-dimensional graph manifolds satisfy the Borel conjecture, proving topological rigidity in dimensions six and above.
  • It constructs manifolds by gluing torus-hyperbolic pieces with affine maps, ensuring smooth rigidity where homotopy equivalence implies diffeomorphism.
  • The study classifies quasi-isometric embeddings of subgroups in irreducible manifolds, unveiling novel geometric properties and curvature constraints.

Rigidity of High Dimensional Graph Manifolds

The paper of rigidity in high-dimensional graph manifolds, as presented by Frigerio, Lafont, and Sisto, extends the scope of geometric group theory into the field of complex manifold structures. This paper delineates the properties of a new class of manifolds known as high-dimensional graph manifolds, which are smooth manifolds divided into pieces formed by the product of a torus and a hyperbolic manifold with toric cusps, all in dimension greater than or equal to three. The manifold construction relies on joining these pieces via affine maps.

A significant result addressed in the paper is the confirmation of the Borel conjecture for these graph manifolds in dimensions six and higher. The conjecture, attributing topological rigidity to aspherical manifolds, posits homeomorphic equivalence if fundamental groups are isomorphic. Through sophisticated geometric group theory methods, the authors assert that in higher dimensions, graph manifolds adhering to their defined criteria satisfy the Borel conjecture. This demonstrates a form of topological rigidity, enhancing our understanding of the relationship between geometry and topology in these high-dimensional spaces.

Moreover, the paper highlights that in these manifolds, smooth rigidity also holds. Specifically, if two such graph manifolds are homotopy equivalent, they are also diffeomorphic, reiterating the rigidity at the smooth category level within this class.

Additionally, the notion of irreducibility is central to this paper. Irreducible graph manifolds, as described in the paper, exhibit favorable geometric properties, notably that subgroups can be quasi-isometrically embedded in their fundamental group. The authors provide a structural classification for groups quasi-isometric to the fundamental group of these irreducible manifolds, which exhibit a graph of groups structure with stringent constraints on the edge and vertex groups. This classification contributes to a broader understanding of the quasi-isometric rigidity within these spaces.

The conclusions drawn about rigidity are extended through practical implications involving geometric properties like non-positive curvature. The findings dictate how these manifolds can be used or constructed in higher dimensions, as the curvature properties of the pieces and their interconnections greatly influence the global geometric characteristics of the manifold.

The lack of support for any locally CAT(0) metric in some examples of these manifolds represents another groundbreaking area of exploration. This lack suggests inherent geometric complexities and signifies nuances in the geometric group theory that are yet to be fully understood or classified.

Moving forward, this paper not only establishes foundational results in the rigidity of high-dimensional graph manifolds but also paves the way for future research. The prospects for expanding these ideas into differential geometry and exploring the boundaries of geometric group theory through the lens of these manifolds are numerous, promising broad implications for both theoretical research and practical manifold applications.

In conclusion, the paper underlines significant progress in understanding rigidity in high-dimensional spaces, detailed through exacting proofs and examples. It engages with quintessential conjectures, extending known rigidity situations into broader and more complex spaces, setting a rigorous benchmark for continued exploration within manifold topology and geometry. Such investigations ensure the continued juxtaposition of geometric group theory with manifold topology, providing fresh insights into some of the more profound aspects of modern theoretical mathematics.

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