Groups whose Fourier algebra and Rajchman algebra coincide

Abstract

We study locally compact groups for which the Fourier algebra coincides with the Rajchman algebra. In particular, we show that there exist uncountably many non-compact groups with this property. Generalizing a result of Hewitt and Zuckerman, we show that no non-compact nilpotent group has this property, whereas non-compact solvable groups with this property are known to exist. We provide several structural results on groups whose Fourier and Rajchman algebras coincide as well as new criteria for establishing this property. Finally, we study the relation between groups with completely reducible regular representation and groups whose Fourier and Rajchman algebras coincide. For unimodular groups with completely reducible regular representation, we show that the Fourier algebra may in general be strictly smaller than the Rajchman algebra.