arXiv subjects

Thomas Hill

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas Hill.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Asymptotically rigid mapping class groups of infinite graphs

We introduce and study asymptotically rigid mapping class groups of certain infinite graphs. We determine their finiteness properties and show that these depend on the number of ends of the underlying graph. In a special case where the graph has finitely many ends, we construct an explicit presentation for the so-called pure graph Houghton group and investigate several of its algebraic and geometric properties. Additionally, we show that the graph Houghton groups are not commensurable with other known Houghton-type groups, namely the classical, surface, braided, handlebody, and doubled handlebody Houghton groups, demonstrating that this graph-based construction defines a genuinely new class of groups.

math.GT↗

arXiv2024

Automorphisms of the sphere complex of an infinite graph

For a locally finite, connected graph $\Gamma$, let $\operatorname{Map}(\Gamma)$ denote the group of proper homotopy equivalences of $\Gamma$ up to proper homotopy. Excluding sporadic cases, we show $\operatorname{Aut}(S(M_\Gamma)) \cong \operatorname{Map}(\Gamma)$, where $\mathcal{S}(M_\Gamma)$ is the sphere complex of the doubled handlebody $M_\Gamma$ associated to $\Gamma$. We also construct an exhaustion of $S(M_\Gamma)$ by finite strongly rigid sets when $\Gamma$ has finite rank and finitely many rays, and an appropriate generalization otherwise.

math.GT↗

arXiv2023

Coarsely bounded generating sets for mapping class groups of infinite-type surfaces

Mann and Rafi's seminal work initiated the study of the coarse geometry of big mapping class groups. Specifically, they construct coarsely bounded (CB) generating sets for mapping class groups of a large class of infinite-type surfaces. In this expository note, we illustrate examples of surfaces whose mapping class groups admit such generating sets, as well as those that do not, with the goal of exploring the context of Mann--Rafi's hypotheses.

math.GT↗

arXiv2023

Large-Scale Geometry of Pure Mapping Class Groups of Infinite-Type Surfaces

The work of Mann and Rafi gives a classification surfaces $\Sigma$ when $\textrm{Map}(\Sigma)$ is globally CB, locally CB, and CB generated under the technical assumption of tameness. In this article, we restrict our study to the pure mapping class group and give a complete classification without additional assumptions. In stark contrast with the rich class of examples of Mann--Rafi, we prove that $\textrm{PMap}(\Sigma)$ is globally CB if and only if $\Sigma$ is the Loch Ness monster surface, and locally CB or CB generated if and only if $\Sigma$ has finitely many ends and is not a Loch Ness monster surface with (nonzero) punctures.

math.GT↗

arXiv2022

Jacobian elliptic fibrations on the generalized Inose quartic of Picard rank sixteen

We consider the family of complex algebraic K3 surfaces $\mathcal{X}$ with Picard lattice containing the unimodular lattice $H \oplus E_7(-1) \oplus E_7(-1)$. The surface $\mathcal{X}$ admits a birational model isomorphic to a quartic hypersurface that generalizes the Inose quartic. We prove that a general member of this family admits exactly four inequivalent Jacobian elliptic fibrations and construct explicit pencils for them.

math.AG↗

arXiv2022

Thurston's Theorem: Entropy in Dimension One

In his paper, Thurston shows that a positive real number $h$ is the topological entropy for an ergodic traintrack representative of an outer automorphism of a free group if and only if its expansion constant $\lambda = e^h$ is a weak Perron number. This is a powerful result, answering a question analogous to one regarding surfaces and stretch factors of pseudo-Anosov homeomorphisms. However, much of the machinery used to prove this seminal theorem on traintrack maps is contained in the part of Thurston's paper on the entropy of postcritically finite interval maps and the proof difficult to parse. In this expository paper, we modernize Thurston's approach, fill in gaps in the original paper, and distill Thurston's methods to give a cohesive proof of the traintrack theorem. Of particular note is the addition of a proof of ergodicity of the traintrack representatives, which was missing in Thurston's paper.

math.GT↗

arXiv2022

The duality between F-theory and the Heterotic String in $D=8$ with two Wilson lines

We construct non-geometric string compactifications by using the F-theory dual of the heterotic string compactified on a two-torus with two Wilson line parameters, together with a close connection between modular forms and the equations for certain K3 surfaces of Picard rank $16$. We construct explicit Weierstrass models for all inequivalent Jacobian elliptic fibrations supported on this family of K3 surfaces and express their parameters in terms of modular forms generalizing Siegel modular forms. In this way, we find a complete list of all dual non-geometric compactifications obtained by the partial higgsing of the heterotic string gauge algebra using two Wilson line parameters.

math.AG↗

arXiv2018

Solar System Ice Giants: Exoplanets in our Backyard

Future remote sensing of exoplanets will be enhanced by a thorough investigation of our solar system Ice Giants (Neptune-size planets). What can the configuration of the magnetic field tell us (remotely) about the interior, and what implications does that field have for the structure of the magnetosphere; energy input into the atmosphere, and surface geophysics (for example surface weathering of satellites that might harbour sub-surface oceans). How can monitoring of auroral emission help inform future remote observations of emission from exoplanets? Our Solar System provides the only laboratory in which we can perform in-situ experiments to understand exoplanet formation, dynamos, systems and magnetospheres.

astro-ph.EP↗