Groups and Operator Algebras Seminar

Speaker: Raz Slutsky (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Title: The space of traces of certain discrete groups

Abstract: A trace on a group is a positive-definite conjugation-invariant function on it. These traces correspond to tracial states on the group's maximal C*-algebra. In the past couple of decades, the study of traces has led to exciting connections to the rigidity, stability, and dynamics of groups. In this talk, I will explain these connections and focus on the topological structure of the space of traces of some groups and see the different behaviours of these spaces for free groups vs. higher-rank lattices. Finally, we will see how our strategy for the free group can be used to answer a question of Musat and Rørdam regarding free products of matrix algebras. This is based on joint works with Arie Levit, Joav Orovitz and Itamar Vigdorovich.

Zoom link: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/66896964708?pwd=cXlsREF2a2hKcGZkYWZNNERJN0tmZz09

Meeting ID: 668 9696 4708, Passcode: 665580.

GOA website: https://sites.google.com/view/copenhagen-goa-seminar/home