Factor and normal subgroup theorems for lattices in products of groups (Q818635)

A topological group \(G\) is called \textit{almost compact} if every proper Hausdorff quotient group of \(G\) is compact. If \(G\) is discrete, this means that every proper quotient group of \(G\) is finite. In this paper the following remarkable theorem is proven: Let \(G_1, G_2\) be locally compact, non-discrete, compactly generated groups which are not both isomorphic to \(\mathbb R\). Let \(\Gamma\subset G_1\times G_2\) be a uniform lattice which is irreducible, i.e., both projections of \(\Gamma\) to the \(G_i's\) have dense images. If both of the \(G_i\) are almost compact, then so is \(\Gamma\). In the case when the \(G_i\) are semisimple groups of positive rank over local fields, this result is known as Margulis's normal subgroup theorem, a central result in the theory of semisimple groups. The proof relies on the strategy used by Margulis, to show that any quotient \(\Gamma /N\) is both amenable and has Kazhdan's property (T). The property (T)-half was established by the second named author in [Invent. Math. 141, No. 1, 1--54 (2000; Zbl 0978.22010)]. The paper under review contains the proof that \(\Gamma /N\) is amenable. More strongly without the almost compact condition, it is established that \(\Gamma /N\) is amenable if and only if \(G_i/\overline{\text{ Pr}_i(N)}\) is amenable for \(i=1,2\). The proof introduces new ideas relying on Furstenberg's boundary theory. An application to buildings is given.