Some applications of group-theoretic Rips constructions to the classification of von Neumann algebras (Q6110441)

The left group von Neumann algebra \(L(G)\) of a discrete group \(G\) is the bicommutant of the range of the left regular representation of \(G\) inside the algebra of all bounded linear operators on \(\ell^2(G)\). This is known to be a II\(_1\)-factor precisely when \(G\) is icc (i.e., has infinite nontrivial conjugacy classes). A central question in the classification theory of von Neumann algebras is when \(G\) can be completely reconstructed from \(L(G)\). Such groups are called \(W^*\)-superrigid. A conjecture of Alain Connes predicts that all icc property \((T)\) (Kazhdan property) groups are \(W^*\)-superrigid; note that currently no examples of such (i.e., $W^*$-superrigid property~$(T)$) groups are known yet, and more significantly, there are not so many algebraic features of property \((T)\) groups recognizable at the von Neumann algebraic level. This is the main focus of the present paper. Some progress is made for property \((T)\) groups that appear as certain fiber products of Belegradek-Osin Rips-type constructions [\textit{I.~Belegradek} and \textit{D.~Osin}, Groups Geom. Dyn. 2, No.~1, 1--12 (2008; Zbl 1152.20039)]. Using \textit{S.~Popa}'s deformation theory [\textit{S. Popa}, in: Proceedings of the international congress of mathematicians (ICM), Madrid, Spain, August 22--30, 2006. Volume~I: Plenary lectures and ceremonies. Zürich: European Mathematical Society (EMS). 445--477 (2007; Zbl 1132.46038)], the authors show that certain algebraic features of property \((T)\) groups are recognizable via their left von Neumann algebra. In particular, as an evidence for the Connes rigidity conjecture, they obtain infinite families of pairwise non-isomorphic property \((T)\) group factors. They use the Rips construction to build examples of property \((T)\) II\(_1\)-factors with masa's without property \((T)\), answering a question of \textit{Y.-L. Jiang} and \textit{A.~Skalski} [Groups Geom. Dyn. 15, No.~3, 849--892 (2021; Zbl 1489.46066)].