Introduction to ℓ²-invariants

This book introduces the reader to the most important concepts and problems in the field of ℓ²-invariants. After some foundational material on group von Neumann algebras, ℓ²-Betti numbers are defined and their use is illustrated by several examples. The text continues with Atiyah's question on possible values of ℓ²-Betti numbers and the relation to Kaplansky's zero divisor conjecture. The general definition of ℓ²-Betti numbers allows for applications in group theory. A whole chapter is dedicated