Conference on Ergodic Theory with Connections to Number Theory; July 21-25, 2003; Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University, Corvallis OR

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract: Conf on ergodic Theory: DMS0303593 Funding Proposal for a Conference on Ergodic Theory with Connections to Number Theory This proposal funds a week-long conference on `Ergodic Theory with Connections to Number Theory' to be held July 21-25, 2003 on the campus of Oregon State University. We expect some 50 participants, with six principal speakers. The conference will emphasize the areas of: diophantine approximation; Z^d-actions; and billiards. Confirmed principal speakers are: P. Arnoux (Marseille); V. Bergelson (Ohio State Univ.); M. Keane (Amsterdam); H. Masur (Univ. Illinios at Chicago); K. Schmidt (Vienna); and W. Veech (Rice Univ.). Participants will have the opportunity to give shorter talks. Number theory has long provided motivation and tools for ergodic theory. Recent results, many obtained by our principal speakers, include: the use of diophantine approximation to give precise results on ergodic directions for billiard flows; the use of ergodic Ramsey theory to clarify and generalize classical results of diophantine approximation; and the demonstration of the rigidity of the dynamics generated by commuting automorphisms of compact groups.