Measure \(N\)-expansive systems (Q2416354)

Expansivity as a property of a dynamical system of the form $f:X\to X$, where $f$ is a homeomorphism and $(X,d)$ is a compact metric space, was introduced by \textit{W. R. Utz} as `unstable' [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 1, 769--774 (1950; Zbl 0040.09903)]. Among many generalizations and extensions, $f$ is said to be $N$-expansive if for every $\epsilon>0$ the cardinality of $\{y\in X\mid d(f^nx,f^ny)\leqslant\epsilon\}$ never exceeds $N$. Here an analogous property for Borel probability measures on $X$ to be $N$-expansive is formulated, and it is shown that $f$ is $N$-expansive if and only if every Borel probability measure on $X$ is $N$-expansive. A striking feature is that this result engages all measures, not just the $f$-invariant ones. The results are also extended to flows without singularities, where a lower bound for the topological entropy of an $N$-expansive flow is given in terms of the growth rate of periodic orbits.