Nonexistence conjecture for trace polynomials in type (2,4,2)(2,4,2)

From papers

Let mm be an odd integer with m5m\geq 5, and let WZ2Z4W\in\mathbb{Z}_2*\mathbb{Z}_4. Let τW(λ)\tau_W(\lambda) denote the trace polynomial associated with WW. The trace-polynomial nonexistence conjecture. There is no word WZ2Z4W\in\mathbb{Z}_2*\mathbb{Z}_4 for which

τW(λ)=2(λ21)m.\tau_W(\lambda)=\sqrt{2}(\lambda^2-1)^m.

The conjecture is supported by computational evidence and, according to the source, would imply the Rosenberger conjecture for generalised triangle groups of type (2,4,2)(2,4,2). It remains open.

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Sources & referencesView supporting material

Primary source

James Howie, “Generalised Triangle Groups of Type (2,4,2)”, arXiv:2405.13644 (2024).

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