Around the orbit equivalence theory of the free groups∗

Abstract: The goal of this series of lectures is to present an overview of the theory of orbit equivalence, with a particular focus on the probability measure preserving actions of the free groups. I will start by giving the basis of the theory of orbit equivalence and explain the theory of cost. In particular, prove such statements as the induction formula and the computation of the cost of free actions of some countable groups, including free groups. This will be related to the fundamental group of equivalence relations. I intend to present Abert-Nikolov theorem relating the cost of profinite actions to the rank gradient of the associated chain of subgroups. I will consider a recent result of F. Le Maître establishing a perfect connection between the cost of a probability measure preserving action with the number of topological generators of the associated full group. I shall also discuss the number of non orbit equivalent actions of countable groups. A good part of this material should combine with the lectures delivered by C. Houdayer.