Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 0811.3422

Non-unitarisable representations and random forests

Abstract

We establish a connection between Dixmier's unitarisability problem and the expected degree of random forests on a group. As a consequence, a residually finite group is non-unitarisable if its first L2-Betti number is non-zero or if it is finitely generated with non-trivial cost. Our criterion also applies to torsion groups constructed by D. Osin, thus providing the first examples of non-unitarisable groups not containing a non-Abelian free subgroup.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Inessa Epstein, Nicolas Monod. 2008-12-08. Non-unitarisable representations and random forests. https://doi.org/10.1093/imrn%2Frnp090

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Subindices and subfactors of $\mathbb{Z}_n$ and $k$-index stability of finite groups

We study subindices, subfactors, and index stability in the cyclic group $\mathbb{Z}_n$. We prove several theorems that not only confirm a conjecture and resolve some open problems about index stability of such groups, but also provide basic tools for the characterization of finite $k$-index stable groups. As a consequence, we completely characterize all 2-element index stable subsets of $\mathbb{Z}_n$, obtain an exact closed formula for their density, and determine all $n$ for which every 2-subset is index unstable. Finally, we present some problems and a research project extending the study to 3-subsets and general $k$-subsets.

math.GR

Virtually generating graphs of pro-$p$ groups

We study the virtually generating graph of pro-$p$ groups. We show that various classes of pro-$p$ groups have connected virtually generating graph and we bound its diameter in these cases; e.g.\ compact subgroups of analytic groups over local fields and the Nottingham group.

math.GR

Surface subgroups of Baumslag doubles along short words

If $U$ is a minimal, diskbusting, finite list of words in a free group $F_n$ of rank $n$ such that the sum of the lengths of words in $U$ is at most $2n+4$, we prove that the natural presentation complex of the Baumslag double of $F_n$ along $U$ virtually contains a $π_1$-injective embedded closed hyperbolic surface. This verifies the Tiling Conjecture of Kim and Wilton for this type of lists of words, and in particular, implies that the corresponding Baumslag double contains a hyperbolic surface subgroup.

math.GR