Topological pressure and the variational principle for noncompact sets (Q1059887)

The authors define the topological pressure \(P_ Y(\phi)\) for a continuous transformation \(f: Y\to Y\) and a continuous function \(\phi\) : \(Y\to {\mathbb{R}}\) (Y is assumed to be embedded into a compact metric space) by introducing special outer measures \(m_{\lambda}\) (\(\lambda\in {\mathbb{R}})\) which is either \(\infty\) or 0 except possibly for one value of \(\lambda\). In analogy to the Hausdorff dimension this critical value is exactly the pressure. This definition extends Ruelle's and Walters' definition in the case where Y is compact [\textit{D. Ruelle}, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 185, 237-251 (1973; Zbl 0278.28012) and \textit{P. Walters}, Am. J. Math. 97, 937-971 (1975; Zbl 0318.28007)] and Bowen's definition when \(\phi\) \(\equiv 0\) (topological entropy) [\textit{R. Bowen}, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 184, 125-136 (1973; Zbl 0274.54030)]. The authors also prove the variational principle in the present situation: \[ P_ Y(\phi)\geq \sup h_{\mu}(f)+\int \phi d\mu \] holds in general and equality only under additional conditions. Sufficient conditions to ensure the existence of an equilibrium state are also given.