Infinite characters on \(\textit{GL}_{n}(\mathbf{Q})\), on \(SL_{n}(Z)\), and on groups acting on trees (Q2316805)

Answering a question of \textit{J. Rosenberg} [C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Sér. I 309, No. 9, 581--586 (1989; Zbl 0902.22004)], the author constructs the first examples of infinite characters on \(\mathrm{GL}_n(K)\) for a global field \(K\) and \(n\ge 2\). In the case \(n\ge 3\), he proves the existence of infinitely many characters for \(G=\mathrm{GL}_n(R)\), when \(R\) is an integral domain such that \(G\) is not amenable. In particular, the group \(\mathrm{SL}_n({\mathbf Z})\) has infinitely many such characters for \(n\ge 2\).