An algorithm to identify automorphisms which arise from self-induced interval exchange transformations

We give an algorithm to determine if the dynamical system generated by a positive automorphism of the free group can also be generated by a self-induced interval exchange transformation. The algorithm effectively yields the interval exchange transformation in case of success.Comment: 26 pages, 8 figures. v2: the article has been reorganized to make for a more linear read. A few paragraphs have been added for clarit

Tree-irreducible automorphisms of free groups

We introduce a new class of automorphisms $\varphi$ of the non-abelian free group $F_N$ of finite rank $N \geq 2$ which contains all iwips (= fully irreducible automorphisms), but also any automorphism induced by a pseudo-Anosov homeomorphism of a surface with arbitrary many boundary components. More generally, there may be subgroups of $F_N$ of rank $\geq 2$ on which $\varphi$ restricts to the identity. We prove some basic facts about such {\em tree-irreducible} automorphisms, and show that, together with Dehn twist automorphisms, they are the natural basic building blocks from which any automorphism of \FN can be constructed in a train track set-up. We then show: {\bf Theorem:} {\it Every tree-irreducible automorphism of $F_N$ has induced North-South dynamics on the Thurston compactification $\bar{\rm CV}_N$ of Outer space.} Finally, we define a "blow-up" construction on the vertices of a train track map, which, starting from iwips, produces tree-irreducible automorphisms which in general are not iwip

Subset currents on free groups

We introduce and study the space of \emph{subset currents} on the free group $F_N$. A subset current on $F_N$ is a positive $F_N$-invariant locally finite Borel measure on the space $\mathfrak C_N$ of all closed subsets of $\partial F_N$ consisting of at least two points. While ordinary geodesic currents generalize conjugacy classes of nontrivial group elements, a subset current is a measure-theoretic generalization of the conjugacy class of a nontrivial finitely generated subgroup in $F_N$, and, more generally, in a word-hyperbolic group. The concept of a subset current is related to the notion of an "invariant random subgroup" with respect to some conjugacy-invariant probability measure on the space of closed subgroups of a topological group. If we fix a free basis $A$ of $F_N$, a subset current may also be viewed as an $F_N$-invariant measure on a "branching" analog of the geodesic flow space for $F_N$, whose elements are infinite subtrees (rather than just geodesic lines) of the Cayley graph of $F_N$ with respect to $A$.Comment: updated version; to appear in Geometriae Dedicat

Intersection form, laminations and currents on free groups

Let $F_N$ be a free group of rank $N\ge 2$, let $\mu$ be a geodesic current on $F_N$ and let $T$ be an $\mathbb R$-tree with a very small isometric action of $F_N$. We prove that the geometric intersection number $$ is equal to zero if and only if the support of $\mu$ is contained in the dual algebraic lamination $L^2(T)$ of $T$. Applying this result, we obtain a generalization of a theorem of Francaviglia regarding length spectrum compactness for currents with full support. As another application, we define the notion of a \emph{filling} element in $F_N$ and prove that filling elements are "nearly generic" in $F_N$. We also apply our results to the notion of \emph{bounded translation equivalence} in free groups.Comment: revised version, to appear in GAF

Partial Action of Groups on Relational Structures: A Connection between Model Theory and Profinite Topology

Introduction This note is the text of a lecture delivered by the author at the workshop \Model Theory, Pro nite Topology and Semigroups" held in Coimbra (Portugal) in June 2001. The aim is to give here an overview of the links between the study of the pro nite topology of free groups and the technics of extension of partial isomorphisms and partial action of groups. There are no proofs in this note as most of the results are published elsewhere as indicated in the text. Moreover if we give all the de nitions used here, it may be useful for the reader to go back to the original articles to get more details and examples. The second goal of this note is to explain the perspectives of this area. Therefore we include at the end a few open problems. The origin of this research comes from the interaction between model theory, pro nite topology of groups and formal languages. Indeed it came out from the conjecture of J.- E Pin on the pro nite topology of free groups (which is now