Uniform distribution and algorithmic randomness

A seminal theorem due to Weyl states that if (a_n) is any sequence of distinct integers, then, for almost every real number x, the sequence (a_n x) is uniformly distributed modulo one. In particular, for almost every x in the unit interval, the sequence (a_n x) is uniformly distributed modulo one for every computable sequence (a_n) of distinct integers. Call such an x "UD random". Here it is shown that every Schnorr random real is UD random, but there are Kurtz random reals that are not UD random. On the other hand, Weyl's theorem still holds relative to a particular effectively closed null set, so there are UD random reals that are not Kurtz random

Computability and analysis: the legacy of Alan Turing

We discuss the legacy of Alan Turing and his impact on computability and analysis.Comment: 49 page

On zeros of Martin-L\"of random Brownian motion

We investigate the sample path properties of Martin-L\"of random Brownian motion. We show (1) that many classical results which are known to hold almost surely hold for every Martin-L\"of random Brownian path, (2) that the effective dimension of zeroes of a Martin-L\"of random Brownian path must be at least 1/2, and conversely that every real with effective dimension greater than 1/2 must be a zero of some Martin-L\"of random Brownian path, and (3) we will demonstrate a new proof that the solution to the Dirichlet problem in the plane is computable

Generic algorithms for halting problem and optimal machines revisited

The halting problem is undecidable --- but can it be solved for "most" inputs? This natural question was considered in a number of papers, in different settings. We revisit their results and show that most of them can be easily proven in a natural framework of optimal machines (considered in algorithmic information theory) using the notion of Kolmogorov complexity. We also consider some related questions about this framework and about asymptotic properties of the halting problem. In particular, we show that the fraction of terminating programs cannot have a limit, and all limit points are Martin-L\"of random reals. We then consider mass problems of finding an approximate solution of halting problem and probabilistic algorithms for them, proving both positive and negative results. We consider the fraction of terminating programs that require a long time for termination, and describe this fraction using the busy beaver function. We also consider approximate versions of separation problems, and revisit Schnorr's results about optimal numberings showing how they can be generalized.Comment: a preliminary version was presented at the ICALP 2015 conferenc

Natural Halting Probabilities, Partial Randomness, and Zeta Functions

We introduce the zeta number, natural halting probability and natural complexity of a Turing machine and we relate them to Chaitin's Omega number, halting probability, and program-size complexity. A classification of Turing machines according to their zeta numbers is proposed: divergent, convergent and tuatara. We prove the existence of universal convergent and tuatara machines. Various results on (algorithmic) randomness and partial randomness are proved. For example, we show that the zeta number of a universal tuatara machine is c.e. and random. A new type of partial randomness, asymptotic randomness, is introduced. Finally we show that in contrast to classical (algorithmic) randomness--which cannot be naturally characterised in terms of plain complexity--asymptotic randomness admits such a characterisation.Comment: Accepted for publication in Information and Computin

Kolmogorov Complexity in perspective. Part I: Information Theory and Randomnes

We survey diverse approaches to the notion of information: from Shannon entropy to Kolmogorov complexity. Two of the main applications of Kolmogorov complexity are presented: randomness and classification. The survey is divided in two parts in the same volume. Part I is dedicated to information theory and the mathematical formalization of randomness based on Kolmogorov complexity. This last application goes back to the 60's and 70's with the work of Martin-L\"of, Schnorr, Chaitin, Levin, and has gained new impetus in the last years.Comment: 40 page