Complex Monodromy And The Topology Of Real Algebraic Sets

In the Fall of 1975 we started a joint project with the ultimate goal of topo logically classifying real algebraic sets. This has been a long happy collaboration (c.f., [K2)). In 1985 while visiting M.S.R.1. we organized and presented our classification results up to that point in the M.S.R.1. preprint series [AK14] -[AK17]. Since these results are interdependent and require some prerequisites as well as familiarity with real algebraic geometry, we decided to make them self contained by presenting them as a part of a book in real algebraic geometry. Even though we have not arrived to our final goal yet we feel that it is time to introduce them in a self contained coherent version and demonstrate their use by giving some applications. Chapter I gives the overview of the classification program. Chapter II has all the necessary background for the rest of the book, which therefore can be used as a course in real algebraic geometry. It starts with the elementary properties of real algebraic sets and ends with the recent solution of the Nash Conjecture. Chapter III and Chapter IV develop the theory of resolution towers. Resolution towers are basic topologically defined objects generalizing the notion of manifold.

This book contains the proceedings of the Real Algebraic Geometry-Topology Conference, held at Michigan State University in December 1993. Presented here are recent results and discussions of new ideas pertaining to such topics as resolution theorems, algebraic structures, topology of nonsingular real algebraic sets, and the distribution of real algebraic sets in projective space.

In singularity theory and algebraic geometry, the monodromy group is embodied in the Picard-Lefschetz formula and the Picard-Fuchs equations. It has applications in the weakened 16th Hilbert problem and in mixed Hodge structures. There is a deep connection of monodromy theory with Galois theory of differential equations and algebraic functions. In covering these and other topics, this book underlines the unifying role of the monogropy group.

Algorithmic and quantitative aspects in real algebraic geometry are becoming increasingly important areas of research because of their roles in other areas of mathematics and computer science. The papers in this volume collectively span several different areas of current research. The articles are based on talks given at the DIMACS Workshop on ''Algorithmic and Quantitative Aspects of Real Algebraic Geometry''. Topics include deciding basic algebraic properties of real semi-algebraic sets, application of quantitative results in real algebraic geometry towards investigating the computational complexity of various problems, algorithmic and quantitative questions in real enumerative geometry, new approaches towards solving decision problems in semi-algebraic geometry, as well as computing algebraic certificates, and applications of real algebraic geometry to concrete problems arising in robotics and computer graphics. The book is intended for researchers interested in computational methods in algebra.

This monograph summarizes and extends a number of results on the topology of trigonal curves in geometrically ruled surfaces. An emphasis is given to various applications of the theory to a few related areas, most notably singular plane curves of small degree, elliptic surfaces, and Lefschetz fibrations (both complex and real), and Hurwitz equivalence of braid monodromy factorizations. The approach relies on a close relation between trigonal curves/elliptic surfaces, a certain class of ribbon graphs, and subgroups of the modular group, which provides a combinatorial framework for the study of geometric objects. A brief summary of the necessary auxiliary results and techniques used and a background of the principal problems dealt with are included in the text. The book is intended to researchers and graduate students in the field of topology of complex and real algebraic varieties.

This book spans the distance between algebraic descriptions of geometric objects and the rendering of digital geometric shapes based on algebraic models. These contrasting points of view inspire a thorough analysis of the key challenges and how they are met. The articles focus on important classes of problems: implicitization, classification, and intersection. Combining illustrative graphics, computations and review articles this book helps the reader gain a firm practical grasp of these subjects.

This volume presents articles originating from invited talks at an exciting international conference held at The Fields Institute in Toronto celebrating the sixtieth birthday of the renowned mathematician, Vladimir Arnold. Experts from the world over--including several from "Arnold's school"--gave illuminating talks and lively poster sessions. The presentations focused on Arnold's main areas of interest: singularity theory, the theory of curves, symmetry groups, dynamical systems, mechanics, and related areas of mathematics. The book begins with notes of three lectures by V. Arnold given in the framework of the Institute's Distinguished Lecturer program. The topics of the lectures are: (1) From Hilbert's Superposition Problem to Dynamical Systems (2) Symplectization, Complexification, and Mathematical Trinities (3) Topological Problems in Wave Propagation Theory and Topological Economy Principle in Algebraic Geometry. Arnold's three articles include insightful comments on Russian and Western mathematics and science. Complementing the first is Jurgen Moser's "Recollections", concerning some of the history of KAM theory.

This volume is based on the lecture notes of six courses delivered at a Cimpa Summer School in Temuco, Chile, in January 2001. Leading experts contribute with introductory articles covering a broad area in probability and its applications, such as mathematical physics and mathematics of finance. Written at graduate level, the lectures touch the latest advances on each subject, ranging from classical probability theory to modern developments. Thus the book will appeal to students, teachers and researchers working in probability theory or related fields.

The amount of algebraic topology a graduate student specializing in topology must learn can be intimidating. Moreover, by their second year of graduate studies, students must make the transition from understanding simple proofs line-by-line to understanding the overall structure of proofs of difficult theorems. To help students make this transition, the material in this book is presented in an increasingly sophisticated manner. It is intended to bridge the gap between algebraic and geometric topology, both by providing the algebraic tools that a geometric topologist needs and by concentrating on those areas of algebraic topology that are geometrically motivated. Prerequisites for using this book include basic set-theoretic topology, the definition of CW-complexes, some knowledge of the fundamental group/covering space theory, and the construction of singular homology. Most of this material is briefly reviewed at the beginning of the book. The topics discussed by the authors include typical material for first- and second-year graduate courses. The core of the exposition consists of chapters on homotopy groups and on spectral sequences. There is also material that would interest students of geometric topology (homology with local coefficients and obstruction theory) and algebraic topology (spectra and generalized homology), as well as preparation for more advanced topics such as algebraic $K$-theory and the s-cobordism theorem. A unique feature of the book is the inclusion, at the end of each chapter, of several projects that require students to present proofs of substantial theorems and to write notes accompanying their explanations. Working on these projects allows students to grapple with the “big picture”, teaches them how to give mathematical lectures, and prepares them for participating in research seminars. The book is designed as a textbook for graduate students studying algebraic and geometric topology and homotopy theory. It will also be useful for students from other fields such as differential geometry, algebraic geometry, and homological algebra. The exposition in the text is clear; special cases are presented over complex general statements.