No label defined (Q4664548)

Kac-Moody theory was initiated in 1968, when V.~Kac and R.~Moody independently defined infinite-dimensional Lie algebras generalizing complex semisimple Lie algebras. A natural question then is to integrate Kac-Moody Lie algebras as Lie groups integrate real Lie algebras, but this time in the infinite-dimensional setting. In characteristic zero, a satisfactory approach consists in seeing them as subgroups in the automorphisms of the corresponding Lie algebras. This way, V.~Kac and D.~Peterson developped the structure theory of Kac-Moody algebras in complete analogy with the classical theory. On the other side, O.~Mathieu defined Kac-Moody groups over arbitrary fields in the formalism of ind-schemes. The author works with groups arising from another, more combinatorial viewpoint, based on the notion, due to J.~Tits, of ``Root Group Datum'' axioms. The starting point of the construction by J.~Tits of Kac-Moody groups is the generalization of the Steinberg presentation theorem which concerns simply connected semisimple algebraic groups. The first part of the paper provides all the abstract background that will be needed to study split and almost split Kac-Moody groups. Then the author describes the split theory of Kac-Moody groups. In particular, he explains why the adjoint representation can be seen as a substitute for a global algebro-geometric structure. The next part of the paper presents the relative theory of almost split Kac-Moody groups. The particular case of a finite ground field is considered, as well as a classical example of a twisted group leading to a semi-homogeneous twin tree. The last part of the paper, which adopts the viewpoint of discrete groups, shows in particular that Kac-Moody theory enables to produce hyperbolic buildings and justifies why these geometries are of special interest. Showing that Kac-Moody groups or their spherical parabolic subgroups over a finite ground field are often lattices of their building, the author is able to describe an analogy with arithmetic lattices over function fields. For the entire collection see [Zbl 1051.20002].