Classifying torsion-free subgroups of the Picard group

Abstract

Torsion-free subgroups of finite index in the Picard group are the fundamental groups of hyperbolic 3 3 -manifolds. The Picard group is a polygonal product of finite groups. Recent work by Karrass, Pietrowski and Solitar on the subgroups of a polygonal product make it feasible to calculate all the torsion-free subgroups of any finite index. This computation is carried out here for index 12 and 24, where there are, respectively, 2 and 17 nonisomorphic subgroups. The manifolds are identified by using surgery.