A zero-one law for random subgroups of some totally disconnected groups (Q848897)

Let \(A\) denote a locally compact group, generated by \(d\) elements, let for \(k\in\mathbb N\) \(F_k\) denote the free (discrete) group generated by \(k\) elements and \(A^k = \mathrm{Hom}(F_k, A)\). \(A^k\) is endowed with the product measure \(\mu^k\), where \(\mu\) denotes a Haar measure on \(A\). The paper is concerned with the question of Goldman-Wiegold (originally formulated for finite groups resp. for compact connected Lie groups): Let, for \(k>d\), \(D_{k,A}:=\{ \eta\in \Hom(F_k, A): \overline{\eta(F_k)} = A\}\). For which groups \(A\) is the action of \(\Gamma =\Aut(F_k)\) ergodic on \(D_{k,A}\)? The main result: If \(A= \text{PSL}_2(K)\), \(K\) denoting a non-Archimedean local field of characteristic \(\neq 2\), or if \(A\) is the group of orientation preserving automorphisms of a regular tree, then, for all \(k\geq 3\), \(D_{k,A}\) is of infinite Haar measure in \(\Hom(F_k,A)\), and the action of \(\Aut(F_k)\) is ergodic on \(D_{k,A}\). Combined with investigations for Archimedean fields [\textit{Y. Minsky}, On dynamics of \(\text{Out}(F_n)\) on \(\text{PSL}_2(\mathbb{C})\) characters. arXiv:0906. 3491v1, (2009)], this yields the following remarkable result: If \(K\) is a local field with characteristic \(\neq 2\) and \(k\geq 4\) and even, then the action of \(\Aut(F_k)\) on \(D_{k,A}\) is ergodic iff \(K\) is non-Archimedean.