On finite index subgroups of a universal group

Abstract

The orbifold group of the Borromean rings with singular angle 90 degrees, $U$, is a universal group, because every closed oriented 3--manifold $M^3$ occurs as a quotient space $M^3=H^3/G$, where $G$ is a finite index subgroup of $U$. Therefore, an interesting, but quite difficult problem, is to classify the finite index subgroups of the universal group $U$. One of the purposes of this paper is to begin this classification. In particular we analyze the classification of the finite index subgroups of $U$ that are generated by rotations.

15 pages, 9 figures