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We prove an equidistribution result for iterated preimages of curves by a large class of rational maps $f:\mathbb{CP}^2\dashrightarrow\mathbb{CP}^2$ that cannot be birationally conjugated to algebraically stable maps. The maps, which include recent examples with transcendental first dynamical degree, are distinguished by the fact that they have constant Jacobian determinant relative to the natural holomorphic two form on the algebraic torus. Under the additional hypothesis that $f$ has "small topological degree'' we also prove an equidistribution result for iterated forward images of curves. To prove our results we systematically develop the idea of a positive closed $(1,1)$ current and its cohomology class on the inverse limit of all toric surfaces. This, in turn, relies upon a careful study of positive closed $(1,1)$ currents on individual toric surfaces. This framework may be useful in other contexts., Comment: To appear in Commentarii Mathematici Helvetici. 57 pages. Changes made to address referee report and to add some references. Comments welcome

Let $f:\mathbb{CP}^2\dashrightarrow\mathbb{CP^2}$ be a rational map with algebraic and topological degrees both equal to $d\geq 2$. Little is known in general about the ergodic properties of such maps. We show here, however, that for an open set of automorphisms $T:\mathbb{CP}^2\to\mathbb{CP}^2$, the perturbed map $T\circ f$ admits exactly two ergodic measures of maximal entropy $\log d$, one of saddle and one of repelling type. Neither measure is supported in an algebraic curve, and $T\circ f$ is `fully two dimensional' in the sense that it does not preserve any singular holomorphic foliation. Absence of an invariant foliation extends to all $T$ outside a countable union of algebraic subsets. Finally, we illustrate all of our results in a more concrete particular instance connected with a two dimensional version of the well-known quadratic Chebyshev map., Comment: Many small changes in accord with referee comments and suggestions

We continue our study of the dynamics of mappings with small topological degree on (projective) complex surfaces. Previously, under mild hypotheses, we have constructed an ergodic ``equilibrium'' measure for each such mapping. Here we study the dynamical properties of this measure in detail: we give optimal bounds for its Lyapunov exponents, prove that it has maximal entropy, and show that it has product structure in the natural extension. Under a natural further assumption, we show that saddle points are equidistributed towards this measure. This generalize results that were known in the invertible case and is, to our knowledge, one among not very many instances in which a natural invariant measure for a non-invertible dynamical system is well-understood., Comment: v3. Exposition improved. Final version, to appear in Ann. Scient. de l'ENS

We continue our study of the dynamics of meromorphic mappings with small topological degree on a compact K\"ahler surface $X$. Under general hypotheses we are able to construct a canonical invariant measure which is mixing, does not charge pluripolar sets and admits a natural geometric description. Our hypotheses are always satisfied when $X$ has Kodaira dimension zero, or when the mapping is induced by a polynomial endomorphism of $\mathbf{C}^2$. They are new even in the birational case. We also exhibit families of mappings where our assumptions are generically satisfied and show that if counterexamples exist, the corresponding measure must give mass to a pluripolar set., Comment: Minor modifications. Final version, to appear in Comment. Math. Helvet

We consider the dynamics of a meromorphic map on a compact kahler surface whose topological degree is smaller than its first dynamical degree. The latter quantity is the exponential rate at which its iterates expand the cohomology class of a kahler form. Our goal in this article and its sequels is to carry out a conjectural program for constructing and analyzing a natural measure of maximal entropy for each such map. Here we take the first step, converting information about the linear action of the map on cohomology to invariant currents with special geometric structure. We also give some examples and identify some additional properties of maps on irrational surfaces and of maps whose invariant cohomology classes have vanishing self-intersection., Comment: Final version, to appear in Indiana University Mathematics Journal. Among other changes, discussion of polynomial maps is improved

For meromorphic maps of complex manifolds, ergodic theory and pluripotential theory are closely related. In nice enough situations, dynamically defined Green's functions give rise to invariant currents which intersect to yield measures of maximal entropy. `Nice enough' is often a condition on the regularity of the Green's function. In this paper we look at a variety of regularity properties that have been considered for dynamical Green's functions. We simplify and extend some known results and prove several others which are entirely new. We also give some examples indicating the limits of what one can hope to achieve in complex dynamics by relying solely on the regularity of a dynamical Green's function., Comment: 24 pages, to appear in Transactions of the American Math Society

We consider the real dynamics of a two parameter family of plane birational maps, focusing especially on an open subset of parameter space on which the real and complex dynamics are in close agreement. On the complex side, we find a rational complex surface to which the maps extend in a well-defined fashion and then calculate the induced action on the Picard group of the surface. On the real side, we use the critical sets of the maps to produce a combinatorial model for the dynamics. By comparing the two points of view, we are able to code points in the real non-wandering set, describe the behavior of wandering orbits, and identify a measure of maximal entropy for the real dynamics., Comment: 23 pages, 18 figures

When a birational surface map is expanding on cohomology there is a canonical way to associate positive closed currents to the map and its inverse. In this paper we use a version of Dirichlet energy to construct the wedge product of these two currents under a very weak additional condition on the map. We show that the resulting measure is invariant and mixing, and we establish that its Lyapunov exponents are finite and non-zero., Comment: 21 pages

We give a detailed description of the dynamics of a family of birational mappings of the plane. The organizing theme of our analysis is that this family is essentially conjugate to the golden mean subshift., Comment: 45 pages, 12 figures