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Geometric Group Theory

GeoGT Session #1.4

Subevent of GeoGT Session #1

Heritage Hall Building 125

Times: 2026 Mar 11 from 11:35AM to 11:55AM (Central Time (US & Canada))

Metrizability of Furstenberg boundaries

Sumun Iyer <sumuni@andrew.cmu.edu>, Carnegie Mellon University

Abstract:

Let G be a Polish group. A G-flow is a continuous action of G on a compact Hausdorff space. G is amenable if every G-flow has an invariant probability measure. G has metrizable universal minimal flow if every G-flow contains a metrizable G-flow. We consider the property of G having a metrizable Furstenberg boundary. This is a common weakening of amenability and having metrizable universal minimal flow. We prove a characterization of G having metrizable Furstenberg boundary in the spirit of Kechris-Pestov-Todorcevic, Bartosova, Moore, and Zucker. We show mapping class groups of infinite type surfaces never have a metrizable Furstenberg boundary. This strengthens a theorem of Long that such groups are not amenable. This is joint work with George Domat and Forte Shinko.

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