On the Tits alternative for $PD(3)$ groups

Abstract

We prove the Tits alternative for an almost coherent $PD(3)$ group which is not virtually properly locally cyclic. In particular, we show that an almost coherent $PD(3)$ group which cannot be generated by fewer than four elements always contains a rank 2 free group.

16 pages, minor corrections, to appear in Ann. Fac. Sci. Toulouse Math