We give a complete classification of irreducible symmetric spaces for which there exist proper SL(2,R)-actions as isometries, using the criterion for proper actions by T. Kobayashi [Math. Ann. ’89] and combinatorial techniques of nilpotent orbits. In particular, we classify irreducible symmetric spaces that admit surface groups as discontinuous groups, combining this with Benoist’s theorem [Ann. Math. ’96].

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We provide a general framework and indicate relations between the notions of transfinite diameter, homogeneous transfinite diameter, and weighted transfinite diameter for sets in ℂ^{$N$}. An ingredient is a formula of Rumely (A Robin formula for the Fekete–Leja transfinite diameter,$Math. Ann.$$337$(2007), 729–738) which relates the Robin function and the transfinite diameter of a compact set. We also prove limiting formulas for integrals of generalized Vandermonde determinants with varying weights for a general class of compact sets and measures in ℂ^{$N$}. Our results extend to certain weights and measures defined on cones in ℝ^{$N$}.