From algebraic orthogonality to RAAG embedding obstructions in hierarchically hyperbolic groups

Abstract

We introduce the $\textit{expanded core graph}$, which records minimal unbounded domains and their axial directions, for two classes of hierarchically hyperbolic group structures modeled on compact special groups and mapping class groups. Our main structural result shows that every embedding of a right-angled Artin group, after replacing its standard generators by positive powers, factors through an intermediate RAAG generated by suitably supported axial elements; for the class modeled on compact special groups, this intermediate RAAG is quasi-isometrically embedded. We show that its extension graph embeds into the expanded core graph. This yields a Kim--Koberda-type obstruction to RAAG embeddings and a complete embedding criterion when the rank is at most two. For the standard HHG structure on a mapping class group, the expanded core graph is the disjointness graph of essential curves, while for natural rich-family structures on a RAAG it recovers the extension graph. We also establish permanence results under finite direct products and the standard relatively hyperbolic construction.