Pseudogroups of isometries of \(\mathbb{R}\) and Rips' theorem on free actions on \(\mathbb{R}\)-trees (Q1335170)

An \(\mathbb{R}\)-tree is an arcwise connected metric space in which every arc is isometric to an interval of \(\mathbb{R}\). Using methods of dynamical systems and measured foliations, the authors present a proof of Rips' theorem that a finitely generated group acting on an \(\mathbb{R}\)-tree is a free product of free abelian groups and surface groups. More generally they prove the following theorem: Let \(G\) be a finitely generated group acting on an \(\mathbb{R}\)-tree \(T\). Let \(G_ e\) be the (normal) subgroup of \(G\) generated by all elements acting with a fixed point (elliptic elements). Then \(G/G_ e\) is a free product of free abelian groups and surface groups.