Is there any paper about the $\pi_1$ group and curvature ?
Because how close a curve depends on the curvature near the curve . I think there must have some condition which decide whether there is closed curve on manifold. Besides, curvature decide the genus.So, I guess there should be some connection between fundamental group and curvature.
If there are any unclear , sorry for my poor English.
Here are four theorems from Riemannian geometry that might interest you. All of them can be found (with proofs) in Chapters 9 and 12 of Manfredo do Carmo's book "Riemannian Geometry."
Bonnet-Myers Theorem: Let $(M,g)$ be a complete Riemannian manifold with $\text{Ric}(g) \geq k > 0$ for some constant $k > 0$. Then $M$ is compact and $\pi_1(M)$ is finite.
Synge Theorem: Let $(M^{2n},g)$ be a compact Riemannian manifold that is orientable, even-dimensional, and having positive sectional curvature. Then $\pi_1(M) = 0$.
Theorem (Preissman): Let $(M,g)$ be a compact Riemannian manifold with negative sectional curvature. Then $\pi_1(M)$ is not abelian.
Theorem (Byers): Let $(M,g)$ be a compact Riemannian manifold with negative sectional curvature. Then every solvable subgroup of $\pi_1(M)$ is either the identity itself or is infinite cyclic. Moreover, $\pi_1(M)$ has no cyclic subgroup of finite index.
Too late, But for further readers. A paper of J. Milnor about growth function of the fundamental group is also useful:
J. Milnor (1968), A note on curvature and fundamental group.
