On Geometric Models of String Algebras: Uniqueness of Surfaces and Existence of Red Punctures

Abstract

A geometric model for string algebras was recently established in \cite{BC24}. Building upon this framework, we characterize the class of string algebras whose geometric models are unique up to equivalence of labelled tiled surfaces. Moreover, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for all geometric models of a string algebra to be entirely free of red punctures, and further give a combinatorial description of string algebras with a common red puncture across all geometric models. In addition, we derive a sufficient condition for a string algebra guaranteeing the presence of red punctures in all geometric models.