Group algebra units and tree actions. (Q2370150)

Let \(kD_\infty\) be the group algebra of the infinite dihedral group \(D_\infty\) over a field \(k\) and \(UkD_\infty\) be the unit group of \(kD_\infty\). By a study of free products (with amalgamation) and by using the technique of groups acting on trees, the author gives a complete description of \(UkD_\infty\) in terms of generators and relations (Theorem 6.1 and Proposition 7.1). These results extend the results of \textit{M. Mirowicz} [Can. Math. Bull. 34, No. 1, 83-89 (1991; Zbl 0737.16021)] who determined the structure of \(UkD_\infty\) when \(k\) is the prime field of characteristic 2 or 3 and who showed that these groups are not finitely generated. A special result of the article is the following. A unit \(u\) of \(kD_\infty\) is called unipotent if \((u-1)^n=0\) for some \(n\geq 1\). Then it is proved that if \(k\) is a field of characteristic not equal to 2, then the subgroup \(U<UkD_\infty\) generated by all unipotent units is torsion free (Theorem 9.5).