We generalize the "hamiltonian topology" on hamiltonian isotopies to an intrinsic "symplectic topology" on the space of symplectic isotopies. We use it to define the group $SSympeo(M,\omega)$ of strong symplectic homeomorphisms, which generalizes the group $Hameo(M,\omega)$ of hamiltonian homeomorphisms introduced by Oh and Muller. The group $SSympeo(M,\omega)$ is arcwise connected, is contained in the identity component of $Sympeo(M,\omega)$; it contains $Hameo(M,\omega)$ as a normal subgroup and coincides with it when $M$ is simply connected. Finally its commutator subgroup $[SSympeo(M,\omega),SSympeo(M,\omega)]$ is contained in $Hameo(M,\omega)$.
Categories: math.SG math.DG