Generalized harmonic maps and representations of discrete groups (Q5929584)

The paper deals with generalized harmonic maps from a simplicial complex into a complete metric space of non-positive curvature. It is shown that any such map must be a constant map, provided the complex admits an ``admissible weight'' satisfying a local combinatorial condition. The last condition is formulated in terms of a nonlinear version of the first eigenvalue of a graph. Some applications to representations of discrete groups are discussed.