Algebraic entropy for Abelian groups

Abstract

The theory of endomorphism rings of algebraic structures allows, in a natural way, a systematic approach based on the notion of entropy borrowed from dynamical systems. Here we study the algebraic entropy of the endomorphisms of Abelian groups, introduced in 1965 by Adler, Konheim and McAndrew. The so-called Addition Theorem is proved; this expresses the algebraic entropy of an endomorphism $\phi$ of a torsion group as the sum of the algebraic entropies of the restriction to a $\phi$-invariant subgroup and of the endomorphism induced on the quotient group. Particular attention is paid to endomorphisms with zero algebraic entropy as well as to groups all of whose endomorphisms have zero algebraic entropy. The significance of this class arises from the fact that any group not in this class can be shown to have endomorphisms of infinite algebraic entropy, and we also investigate such groups. A uniqueness theorem for the algebraic entropy of endomorphisms of torsion Abelian groups is proved.