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Abstract for MSRI Preprint 1996-064

A Standard Form for Incompressible Surfaces in a Handlebody

Linda E. Green

Let $\Sigma$ be a compact surface and let $I$ be the unit interval. This paper gives a standard form for all 2-sided incompressible surfaces in the 3-manifold $\Sigma \times I$. Since $\Sigma \times I$ is a handlebody when $\Sigma$ has boundary, this standard form applies to incompressible surfaces in a handlebody.