Ergodic Theory, Symbolic Dynamics, and Hyperbolic Spaces

This textbook provides an introductory survey of the interaction between ergodic theory and hyperbolic geometry suitable for postgraduate students coming to these subjects for the first time. The aim of the volume is to explore the rich interplay between the two subjects and to present some of the new directions that research has taken. The chapters are all written by experts in their respective fields and the editors have gone to great pains to ensure that the volume as a whole provides an accessible and up-to-date introduction to a very active area of research. As a result it will form essential reading for all those embarking on research in this subject as well as for those whose current research touches on topics covered here. Prerequisites are little more than a familiarity with the basics of topology, analysis, and group theory as might be gained from an undergraduate degree course. Early chapters present an introduction to the fundamental concepts of hyperbolic geometry and ergodic theory. Subsequent chapters develop more advanced topics such as explicit coding methods, symbolic dynamics, the theory of nuclear operators as applied to the Ruelle-Perron-Frobenius (or transfer) operator, the Patterson measure, and the connections with finiteness phenomena in the structure of hyperbolic groups and Gromov's theory of hyperbolic spaces.