Hecke triangle groups, transfer operators and Hausdorff dimension (Q2127869)

One can begin with author's description of the present investigations: ``We consider the family of Hecke triangle groups \(\Gamma_w = \langle S, T_w\rangle\) generated by the Möbius transformations \(S : z\mapsto -1/z\) and \(T_w : z \mapsto z+w\) with \(w > 2\). In this case, the corresponding hyperbolic quotient \(\Gamma_w\backslash{\mathbb{H}}^2\) is an infinite-area orbifold. Moreover, the limit set of \(\Gamma_w\) is a Cantor-like fractal whose Hausdorff dimension we denote by \(\delta (w)\). The first result of this paper asserts that the twisted Selberg zeta function \(Z_{\Gamma_{ w}}(s, \rho)\), where \(\rho : \Gamma_w \rightarrow \mathrm{U}(V)\) is an arbitrary finite-dimensional unitary representation, can be realized as the Fredholm determinant of a Mayer-type transfer operator. This result has a number of applications. We study the distribution of the zeros in the half-plane \(\operatorname{Re}(s) > \frac{1}{2}\) of the Selberg zeta function of a special family of subgroups \(( \Gamma_w^N)_{N\in{\mathbb{N}}}\) of \(\Gamma_w\). These zeros correspond to the eigenvalues of the Laplacian on the associated hyperbolic surfaces \(X_w^N = \Gamma_w^N \backslash{\mathbb{H}}^2\). We show that the classical Selberg zeta function \(Z_{\Gamma_w}(s)\) can be approximated by determinants of finite matrices whose entries are explicitly given in terms of the Riemann zeta function. Moreover, we prove an asymptotic expansion for the Hausdorff dimension \(\delta (w)\) as \(w\rightarrow \infty\).'' In the introduction, special attention is given to certain investigations and applications of transfer operators, the Hausdorff dimension of limit sets of Fuchsian groups, and of the Selberg zeta functions represented in terms of transfer operators, etc. Certain notions of hyperbolic geometry, of transfer operators and function space, as well as of the theory of singular values and Fredholm determinants, are recalled. For example, such notions as Hecke triangle groups, Fuchsian groups, the Poincaré halfplane, etc., are considered. The main and auxiliary results are proven with explanations. Numerical estimates for the Hausdorff dimensions of the limit sets of Hecke triangle groups are investigated.