Cornell Math - MATH 758, Spring 2004

MATH 758: Introduction to the Property of Rapid Decay (Spring 2004)

Instructor: Indira Chatterji

Meeting Time & Room

The property of Rapid Decay (property RD) for a discrete group gives an information on the asymptotic diffusion behaviour of the group. In this course I shall introduce the students to this subject (context, basic definitions and results) which blends geometric group theory with
geometry, algebra and a bit of functional analysis in a down-to-earth and basic way.

Little is known about property RD and its relationship with other well-known properties (such as amenability or non-positive curvature) or famous groups, but this course will be an occasion (according to the background of the audience) to have a glimpse in various topics of mathematics.

The course is open to all graduate students. No particular background is required, though some knowledge in basic point-set topology is assumed.