Columbia Mathematics Department Colloquium

 

 L^2-invariants and
their applications to

topology, geometry and group theory

by

Wolfgang Lueck 

(Bonn)

 

Abstract:

We start with discussing some easy to understand prominent conjectures
due to Kaplanski, Hopf, and others and some interesting results about
groups, Euler characteristics, K-theory and volumes of hyperbolic
3-manifolds, which on the first glance do not seem to be connected to
L^2-invariants. Then we will introduce L^2-invariants and explain the
relationship, thus illustrating the power of L^2-invariants. If time
allows we will survey further applications.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Mathematics 520
Tea will be served at 4:30 p.m.