Generating mapping class groups with elements of fixed finite order

Abstract

We show that for any $k$ at least $6$ and $g$ sufficiently large, the mapping class group of a surface of genus $g$ can be generated by three elements of order $k$. We also show that this can be done with four elements of order $5$. We additionally prove similar results for some permutation groups, linear groups, and automorphism groups of free groups.

24 pages, 11 figures