Constraining mapping class group homomorphisms using finite subgroups

Abstract

We classify homomorphisms from mapping class groups by using finite subgroups. First, we give a new proof of a result of Aramayona--Souto that homomorphisms between mapping class groups of closed surfaces are trivial for a range of genera. Second, we show that only finitely many mapping class groups of closed surfaces have non-trivial homomorphisms into $\text{Homeo}({\mathbb{S}}^n)$ for any $n$. We also prove that every homomorphism from $\text{Mod}(S_g)$ to $\text{Homeo}({\mathbb{S}}^2)$ or $\text{Homeo}({\mathbb{S}}^3)$ is trivial if $g\ge 3$, extending a result of Franks--Handel.

15 pages, 1 figure