Simple lift of non-simple closed curves

Abstract

Given a compact, oriented surface $S$ of finite genus and finitely many boundary components, we provide examples of finite covers $\tilde{S}$ of $S$ and non-simple closed curves $\gamma$ on $S$ which lifts to simple closed curves on $\tilde{S}$. In particular, given any positive integer $n\ge 2$, we construct explicit non-simple closed curves on $S$ which has a simple lift to a degree $n$ cover of $S$.

arXiv comment21 pages,20 figures. Revised version with minor changes. Comments welcome