On vanishing criteria of $L^2$-Betti numbers of groups

TL;DR

This paper establishes new vanishing criteria for $L^2$-Betti numbers of groups based on subgroup properties, generalizing previous results and providing algebraic proofs for known theorems.

Contribution

It introduces generalized conditions for vanishing of $L^2$-Betti numbers and offers an algebraic proof of Gaboriau's theorem, extending understanding of group invariants.

Findings

Vanishing of $L^2$-Betti numbers up to degree $k$ under subgroup conditions

Generalization of criteria by Sauer, Thom, Peterson, and Thom

Algebraic proof of Gaboriau's theorem on the first $L^2$-Betti number

Abstract

Let $G$ be a countable group and $k$ a positive integer, we show that the $L^2$-Betti numbers of the group $G$ vanish up to degree $k$ provided that there is some infinite index subgroup $H$ with finite $k$th $L^2$-Betti number containing a normal subgroup of $G$ whose $L^2$-Betti numbers are all zero below degree $k$. This generalizes previous criteria of both Sauer and Thom, and Peterson and Thom. In addition, we exhibit a purely algebraic proof of a well-known theorem of Gaboriau concerning the first $L^2$-Betti number which was requested by Bourdon, Martin and Valette. Finally, we provide evidence of a positive answer for a question posted by Hillman that wonders whether the above statement holds for $k = 1$ and $H$ containing a subnormal subgroup instead.