Lattices with and lattices without spectral gap (Q664231)

Let \(G= G(k)\) be the \(k\)-rational points of a simple algebraic group \(G\) over a local field \(k\) and let \(\Gamma\) be a lattice in \(G\). The authors show that the regular representation \(\rho_{\Gamma}\backslash G\) of \(G\) on \(L^2(\Gamma \backslash G)\) has a spectral gap. The authors also give examples of locally compact simple groups \(G\) and lattices \(\Gamma\) for which \(L^2(\Gamma\backslash G)\) has no spectral gap. This answers in the negative a question asked by \textit{G.A. Margulis} [Discrete subgroups of semisimple Lie groups. Ergebn. Math. Grenzgebiete, 3. Folge, 17. Berlin etc.: Springer-Verlag (1991; Zbl 0732.22008)].