Finitely generated nilpotent group C*-algebras have finite nuclear dimension

We show that group C*-algebras of finitely generated, nilpotent groups have finite nuclear dimension. It then follows, from a string of deep results, that the C*-algebra $A$ generated by an irreducible representation of such a group has decomposition rank at most 3. If, in addition, $A$ satisfies the universal coefficient theorem, another string of deep results shows it is classifiable by its Elliott invariant and is approximately subhomogeneous. We give a large class of irreducible representations of nilpotent groups (of arbitrarily large nilpotency class) that satisfy the universal coefficient theorem and therefore are classifiable and approximately subhomogeneous.Comment: Fixed typos. Question 5.1 of the previous version was already answered in the literature; we have provided the appropriate referenc

Nilpotence and descent in equivariant stable homotopy theory

Let $G$ be a finite group and let $\mathscr{F}$ be a family of subgroups of $G$. We introduce a class of $G$-equivariant spectra that we call $\mathscr{F}$-nilpotent. This definition fits into the general theory of torsion, complete, and nilpotent objects in a symmetric monoidal stable $\infty$-category, with which we begin. We then develop some of the basic properties of $\mathscr{F}$-nilpotent $G$-spectra, which are explored further in the sequel to this paper. In the rest of the paper, we prove several general structure theorems for $\infty$-categories of module spectra over objects such as equivariant real and complex $K$-theory and Borel-equivariant $MU$. Using these structure theorems and a technique with the flag variety dating back to Quillen, we then show that large classes of equivariant cohomology theories for which a type of complex-orientability holds are nilpotent for the family of abelian subgroups. In particular, we prove that equivariant real and complex $K$-theory, as well as the Borel-equivariant versions of complex-oriented theories, have this property.Comment: 63 pages. Revised version, to appear in Advances in Mathematic

Residual properties of 3-manifold groups I: Fibered and hyperbolic 3-manifolds

Let $p$ be a prime. In this paper, we classify the geometric 3-manifolds whose fundamental groups are virtually residually $p$. Let $M=M^3$ be a virtually fibered 3-manifold. It is well-known that $G=\pi_1(M)$ is residually solvable and even residually finite solvable. We prove that $G$ is always virtually residually $p$. Using recent work of Wise, we prove that every hyperbolic 3-manifold is either closed or virtually fibered and hence has a virtually residually $p$ fundamental group. We give some generalizations to pro-$p$ completions of groups, mapping class groups, residually torsion-free nilpotent 3-manifold groups and central extensions of residually $p$ groups.Comment: 25 pages. Complete rewrit

Finite group extensions and the Atiyah conjecture

The Atiyah conjecture for a discrete group G states that the $L^2$-Betti numbers of a finite CW-complex with fundamental group G are integers if G is torsion-free and are rational with denominators determined by the finite subgroups of G in general. Here we establish conditions under which the Atiyah conjecture for a group G implies the Atiyah conjecture for every finite extension of G. The most important requirement is that the cohomology $H^*(G,\mathbb{Z}/p)$ is isomorphic to the cohomology of the p-adic completion of G for every prime p. An additional assumption is necessary, e.g. that the quotients of the lower central series or of the derived series are torsion-free. We prove that these conditions are fulfilled for a class of groups which contains Artin's pure braid groups, free groups, surfaces groups, certain link groups and one-relator groups. Therefore every finite, in fact every elementary amenable extension of these groups satisfies the Atiyah conjecture. In the course of the proof we prove that if these extensions are torsion-free, then they have plenty of non-trivial torsion-free quotients which are virtually nilpotent. All of this applies in particular to Artin's full braid group, therefore answering question B6 on http://www.grouptheory.info . Our methods also apply to the Baum-Connes conjecture. This is discussed in arXiv:math/0209165 "Finite group extensions and the Baum-Connes conjecture", where the Baum-Connes conjecture is proved e.g. for the full braid group.Comment: 54 pages, typos and small mistakes corrected, final version to appear in Journal of the AM