An update on Hurwitz groups

Abstract

A Hurwitz group is any non-trivial finite quotient of the (2, 3, 7) triangle group, that is, any non-trivial finite group generated by elements x and y satisfying x2 = y3 = (xy)7 = 1. Every such group G is the conformal automorphism group of some compact Riemann surface of genus g > 1, with the property that |G| = 84(g – 1), which is the maximum possible order for given genus g. This paper provides an update on what is known about Hurwitz groups and related matters, following up the author's brief survey in Bull. Amer. Math. Soc.23 (1990).