Symmetries and surface detection for $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ character varieties of 3-manifolds

Abstract: Culler, Morgan, and Shalen pioneered the detection essential surfaces in 3-manifolds through $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ character varieties. I’ll discuss how symmetries of the 3-manifold affect this detection, concluding with some examples. This is joint work with Jay Leach.

Mathematics

Audience: researchers in the topic

Series on open questions in Arithmetic, Geometry and Topology

Series comments: This seminar is part of the MSRI program on Random and Arithmetic Structures in Topology. The talks in this series are largely expository and focus on open questions. Registration is required. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the organizers.

Registration information for this week's seminars can be found here: Alan Reid: www.msri.org/seminars/25486 Benson Farb: www.msri.org/seminars/25556