Fuchsian Embeddings in the Bianchi Groups

Abstract

If d is a positive square free integer we let Od be the ring of integers in and we let Γd = PSL2(Od), the group of linear fractional transformationsand entries from Od {if d = 1, ad – bc = ±1}. The Γd are called collectively the Bianchi groups and have been studied extensively both as abstract groups and in automorphic function theory {see references}. Of particular interest has been Γ1 – the Picard group. Group theoretically Γ1, is very similar to the classical modular group M = PSL2(Z) both in its total structure [4, 6], and in the structure of its congruence subgroups [8]. Where Γ1 and M differ greatly is in their action on the complex place C. M is Fuchsian and therefore acts discontinuously in the upper half-plane and every subgroup has the same property.