On the Minimal Size of a Generating Set of Lattices in Lie Groups

Abstract

We prove that the rank (that is, the minimal size of a generating set) of lattices in a general connected Lie group is bounded by the co-volume of the projection of the lattice to the semi-simple part of the group. This was proved by Gelander for semi-simple Lie groups and by Mostow for solvable Lie groups. Here we consider the general case, relying on the semi-simple case. In particular, we extend Mostow's theorem from solvable to amenable groups.