A proof of Laudenbach-Poénaru's theorem via Heegaard splittings

A famous theorem of Laudenbach and Poénaru says that any diffeomorphism of the boundary of a 4-dimensional 1-handlebody extends to a diffeomorphism of the whole handlebody. I will present a new proof of this result using Heegaard splittings and a generalization to 4-dimensional compression bodies. I will also explain why this is essential in the theory of trisections.

Joint work with Trenton Schirmer.