Algebraic actions of the discrete Heisenberg group: expansiveness and homoclinic points (Q2252940)

The first part of this paper can be read as a survey on criteria for the expansiveness of principal algebraic actions of countably infinite discrete groups. Several known results are presented, often together with a proof or sketch of proof. Additionally, many examples, corollaries and remarks are presented. In the second part of the paper, the authors focus on the special case of the discrete Heisenberg group, and propose a new approach for the expansiveness problem which is based on \textit{G. R. Allan}'s local principle [Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3) 18, 193--216 (1968; Zbl 0194.44501)]. Again, many examples are given. Finally, the authors present a first example of an absolutely summable homoclinic point for a nonexpansive action of the discrete Heisenberg group, and they use it for the construction an equal-entropy symbolic cover of the system.