Exceptional eigenvalue density for thin groups

Abstract

We prove a limit multiplicity conjecture of Hee Oh for principal congruence covers of geometrically finite hyperbolic manifolds, with an explicit power-saving rate. The rate is governed by the return of Patterson--Sullivan shadows through a fixed compact core, giving a geometric interpretation to the exceptional eigenvalue density. For convex-cocompact groups, a packing argument for enlarged shadows gives a stronger rate.

7 pages; comments welcome