Lehmer’s problem for arbitrary groups

Abstract

We consider the problem whether for a group [Formula: see text] there exists a constant [Formula: see text] such that for any [Formula: see text]-matrix [Formula: see text] over the integral group ring [Formula: see text] the Fuglede–Kadison determinant of the [Formula: see text]-equivariant bounded operator [Formula: see text] given by right multiplication with [Formula: see text] is either one or greater or equal to [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is the infinite cyclic group and we consider only [Formula: see text], this is precisely Lehmer’s problem.