On the Linearity of Certain Mapping Class Groups

Authors: MUSTAFA KORKMAZ

Abstract: S. Bigelow proved that the braid groups are linear. That is, there is a faithful representation of the braid group into the general linear group of some field. Using this, we deduce from previously known results that the mapping class group of a sphere with punctures and hyperelliptic mapping class groups are linear. In particular, the mapping class group of a closed orientable surface of genus $2$ is linear.

Keywords: Mapping class groups, Braid groups, Linear groups

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