Abstract : Given a subset A of an additive group, how small can the sumset $A+A = \lbrace a+a' : a, a' \epsilon$ $A \rbrace$ be ? And what can be said about the structure of $A$ when $A + A$ is very close to the smallest possible size ? The aim of this talk is to partially answer these two questions when A is either a subset of $\mathbb{Z}$, $\mathbb{Z}/n\mathbb{Z}$, $\mathbb{R}$ or $\mathbb{T}$ and to explain how in this problem discrete and continuous setting are linked. This should also illustrate two important principles in additive combinatorics : reduction and rectification.
This talk is partially based on some joint work with Pablo Candela and some other work with Paul Péringuey.