An Artin group of finite rank is a group defined by a Coxeter matrix on a finite set
. It has generators
for
. For distinct
with
, its defining relation equates the alternating
words
and
of length
. The value
imposes no relation between that pair. For
the generators commute, while
gives
. Adding the relations
gives the associated Coxeter
group.
For example, a graph path of generators, with label 3 between adjacent generators and
label 2 between other pairs, defines the braid group
. The standard topological model is
the Artin Salvetti complex, whose asphericity
is the Artin K(pi,1) conjecture.
A metric space is proper when every closed bounded subset is compact.