Cheeger–Chern–Simons Theory and Differential String Classes

We construct new concrete examples of relative differential characters, which we call Cheeger–Chern–Simons characters. They combine the well-known Cheeger–Simons characters with Chern–Simons forms. In the same way as Cheeger–Simons characters generalize Chern–Simons invariants of oriented closed manifolds, Cheeger–Chern–Simons characters generalize Chern–Simons invariants of oriented manifolds with boundary. We study the differential cohomology of compact Lie groups G and their classifying spaces BG. We show that the even degree differential cohomology of BG canonically splits into Cheeger–Simons characters and topologically trivial characters. We discuss the transgression in principal G-bundles and in the universal bundle. We introduce two methods to lift the universal transgression to a differential cohomology valued map. They generalize the Dijkgraaf–Witten correspondence between 3-dimensional Chern–Simons theories and Wess–Zumino–Witten terms to fully extended higher-order Chern–Simons theories. Using these lifts, we also prove two versions of a differential Hopf theorem. Using Cheeger–Chern–Simons characters and transgression, we introduce the notion of differential trivializations of universal characteristic classes. It generalizes well-established notions of differential String classes to arbitrary degree. Specializing to the class \({\frac{1}{2} p_1 \in H^4(B{\rm Spin}_n;\mathbb{Z})}\), we recover isomorphism classes of geometric string structures on Spin _n -bundles with connection and the corresponding spin structures on the free loop space. The Cheeger–Chern–Simons character associated with the class \({\frac{1}{2} p_1}\) together with its transgressions to loop space and higher mapping spaces defines a Chern–Simons theory, extended down to points. Differential String classes provide trivializations of this extended Chern–Simons theory. This setting immediately generalizes to arbitrary degree: for any universal characteristic class of principal G-bundles, we have an associated Cheeger–Chern–Simons character and extended Chern–Simons theory. Differential trivialization classes yield trivializations of this extended Chern–Simons theory.     

The Baum-Connes assembly map, delocalization and the Chern character

For a discrete group Γ, we explicitly describe the rational Baum-Connes assembly map in “homological degree ?2” and show that in this domain it factors through the algebraic K-theory of the complex group ring of Γ. We also state and prove a delocalization property for , namely expressing it rationally in terms of the Novikov assembly map. Finally, we give a handicrafted construction of the delocalized equivariant Chern character (in the analytic language) and prove that it coincides with the equivariant Chern character of Lück (Invent. Math. 149 (2002) 123-152) (defined in the topological framework).     

A “strange” vector-valued quantum modular form

Since their definition in 2010 by Zagier, quantum modular forms have been connected to numerous topics such as strongly unimodal sequences, ranks, cranks, and asymptotics for mock theta functions near roots of unity. These are functions that are not necessarily defined on the upper half plane but a priori are defined only on a subset of ${\mathbb{Q}}$ Q , and whose obstruction to modularity is some analytically “nice” function. Motivated by Zagier’s example of the quantum modularity of Kontsevich’s “strange” function F(q), we revisit work of Andrews, Jiménez-Urroz, and Ono to construct a natural vector-valued quantum modular form whose components are similarly “strange”.     

Arithmetic differential equations on $$GL_n$$, II: arithmetic Lie–Cartan theory

Motivated by the search of a concept of linearity in the theory of arithmetic differential equations (Buium in Arithmetic differential equations. Math. surveys and monographs, vol 118. American Mathematical Society, Providence, 2005), we introduce here an arithmetic analogue of Lie algebras, of Chern connections, and of Maurer–Cartan connections. Our arithmetic analogues of Chern connections are certain remarkable lifts of Frobenius on the p-adic completion of \(GL_n\) which are uniquely determined by certain compatibilities with the “outer” involutions defined by symmetric (respectively, antisymmetric) matrices. The Christoffel symbols of our arithmetic Chern connections will involve a matrix analogue of the Legendre symbol. The analogues of Maurer–Cartan connections can then be viewed as families of “linear” flows attached to each of our Chern connections. We will also investigate the compatibility of lifts of Frobenius with the inner automorphisms of \(GL_n\); in particular, we will prove the existence and uniqueness of certain arithmetic analogues of “isospectral flows” on the space of matrices.     

Geometric approach to parabolic induction

In this paper we construct a “restriction” map from the cocenter of a reductive group G over a local non-archimedean field F to the cocenter of a Levi subgroup. We show that the dual map corresponds to parabolic induction and deduce that parabolic induction preserves stability. We also give a new (purely geometric) proof that the character of normalized parabolic induction does not depend on the parabolic subgroup. In the appendix, we use a similar argument to extend a theorem of Lusztig–Spaltenstein on induced unipotent classes to all infinite fields. We also prove a group version of a theorem of Harish-Chandra about the density of the span of regular semisimple orbital integrals.     

Between arrow and Gibbard-Satterthwaite; A representation theoretic approach

A central theme in social choice theory is that of impossibility theorems, such as Arrow’s theorem [Arr63] and the Gibbard-Satterthwaite theorem [Gib73, Sat75], which state that under certain natural constraints, social choice mechanisms are impossible to construct. In recent years, beginning in Kalai [Kal01], much work has been done in finding robust versions of these theorems, showing “approximate” impossibility remains even when most, but not all, of the constraints are satisfied. We study a spectrum of settings between the case where society chooses a single outcome (à-la-Gibbard-Satterthwaite) and the choice of a complete order (as in Arrow’s theorem). We use algebraic techniques, specifically representation theory of the symmetric group, and also prove robust versions of the theorems that we state. Our relaxations of the constraints involve relaxing of a version of “independence of irrelevant alternatives”, rather than relaxing the demand of a transitive outcome, as is done in most other robustness results.     

Metrics on tiling spaces, local isomorphism and an application of Brown’s lemma

We give an application of a topological dynamics version of multidimensional Brown’s lemma to tiling theory: given a tiling of an Euclidean space and a finite geometric pattern of points $F$ , one can find a patch such that, for each scale factor $\lambda $ , there is a vector $\vec {t}_\lambda $ so that copies of this patch appear in the tilling “nearly” centered on $\lambda F+\vec {t}_\lambda $ once we allow “bounded perturbations” in the structure of the homothetic copies of $F$ . Furthermore, we introduce a new unifying setting for the study of tiling spaces which allows rather general group “actions” on patches and we discuss the local isomorphism property of tilings within this setting.     

Necessary geometric and analytic conditions for general estimates in the $\bar{\partial}$-Neumann problem

We show the geometric and analytic consequences of a general estimate in the \(\bar{\partial}\)-Neumann problem: a “gain” in the estimate yields a bound in the “type” of the boundary, that is, in its order of contact with an analytic curve as well as in the rate of the Bergman metric. We also discuss the potential-theoretical consequence: a gain implies a lower bound for the Levi form of a bounded weight.     

Stringy K-theory and the Chern character

We construct two new G-equivariant rings: \(\mathcal{K}(X,G)\), called the stringy K-theory of the G-variety X, and \(\mathcal{H}(X,G)\), called the stringy cohomology of the G-variety X, for any smooth, projective variety X with an action of a finite group G. For a smooth Deligne–Mumford stack \(\mathcal{X}\), we also construct a new ring \(\mathsf{K}_{\mathrm{orb}}(\mathcal{X})\) called the full orbifold K-theory of \(\mathcal{X}\). We show that for a global quotient \(\mathcal{X} = [X/G]\), the ring of G-invariants \(K_{\mathrm{orb}}(\mathcal{X})\) of \(\mathcal{K}(X,G)\) is a subalgebra of \(\mathsf{K}_{\mathrm{orb}}([X/G])\) and is linearly isomorphic to the “orbifold K-theory” of Adem-Ruan [AR] (and hence Atiyah-Segal), but carries a different “quantum” product which respects the natural group grading.We prove that there is a ring isomorphism \(\mathcal{C}\mathbf{h}:\mathcal{K}(X,G)\to\mathcal{H}(X,G)\), which we call the stringy Chern character. We also show that there is a ring homomorphism \(\mathfrak{C}\mathfrak{h}_\mathrm{orb}:\mathsf{K}_{\mathrm{orb}}(\mathcal{X}) \rightarrow H^\bullet_{\mathrm{orb}}(\mathcal{X})\), which we call the orbifold Chern character, which induces an isomorphism \(Ch_{\mathrm{orb}}:K_{\mathrm{orb}}(\mathcal{X})\rightarrow H^\bullet_{\mathrm{orb}}(\mathcal{X})\) when restricted to the sub-algebra \(K_{\mathrm{orb}}(\mathcal{X})\). Here \(H_{\mathrm{orb}}^\bullet(\mathcal{X})\) is the Chen–Ruan orbifold cohomology. We further show that \(\mathcal{C}\mathbf{h}\) and \(\mathfrak{C}\mathfrak{h}_\mathrm{orb}\) preserve many properties of these algebras and satisfy the Grothendieck–Riemann–Roch theorem with respect to étale maps. All of these results hold both in the algebro-geometric category and in the topological category for equivariant almost complex manifolds.We further prove that \(\mathcal{H}(X,G)\) is isomorphic to Fantechi and Göttsche’s construction [FG, JKK]. Since our constructions do not use complex curves, stable maps, admissible covers, or moduli spaces, our results greatly simplify the definitions of the Fantechi–Göttsche ring, Chen–Ruan orbifold cohomology, and the Abramovich–Graber–Vistoli orbifold Chow ring.We conclude by showing that a K-theoretic version of Ruan’s Hyper-Kähler Resolution Conjecture holds for the symmetric product of a complex projective surface with trivial first Chern class.     

The Schwartz space of a smooth semi-algebraic stack

Schwartz functions, or measures, are defined on any smooth semi-algebraic (“Nash”) manifold, and are known to form a cosheaf for the semi-algebraic restricted topology. We extend this definition to smooth semi-algebraic stacks, which are defined as geometric stacks in the category of Nash manifolds. Moreover, when those are obtained from algebraic quotient stacks of the form X/G, with X a smooth affine variety and G a reductive group defined over a number field k, we define, whenever possible, an “evaluation map” at each semisimple k-point of the stack, without using truncation methods. This corresponds to a regularization of the sum of those orbital integrals whose semisimple part corresponds to the chosen k-point. These evaluation maps produce, in principle, a distribution which generalizes the Arthur–Selberg trace formula and Jacquet’s relative trace formula, although the former, and many instances of the latter, cannot actually be defined by the purely geometric methods of this paper. In any case, the stack-theoretic point of view provides an explanation for the pure inner forms that appear in many versions of the Langlands, and relative Langlands, conjectures.     

On a functional equation related to convex bodies with <Emphasis Type="Italic">SU</Emphasis>(2)-congruent projections

In this note, we consider two Riemannian metrics on a moduli space of metric graphs. Each of them could be thought of as an analogue of the Weil–Petersson metric on the moduli space of metric graphs. We discuss and compare geometric features of these two metrics with the “classic” Weil–Petersson metric in Teichmüller theory. This paper is motivated by Pollicott and Sharp’s work (Pollicott and Sharp in Geom Dedic 172(1):229–244, 2014). Moreover, we fix some errors in Pollicott and Sharp (2014).     

A higher index theorem for foliated manifolds with boundary

Following Gorokhovsky and Lott and using an extension of the b-pseudodifferential calculus of Melrose, we give a formula for the Chern character of the Dirac index class of a longitudinal Dirac type operators on a foliated manifold with boundary. For this purpose we use the Bismut local index formula in the context of noncommutative geometry. This paper uses heavily the methods and technical results developed by E. Leichtnam and P. Piazza.     

Stepwise square integrable representations of nilpotent Lie groups

We study the conditions for a nilpotent Lie group to be foliated into subgroups that have square integrable (relative discrete series) unitary representations, that fit together to form a filtration by normal subgroups. Then we use that filtration to construct a class of “stepwise square integrable” representations on which Plancherel measure is concentrated. Further, we work out the character formulae for those stepwise square integrable representations, and we give an explicit Plancherel formula. Next, we use some structure theory to check that all these constructions and results apply to nilradicals of minimal parabolic subgroups of real reductive Lie groups. Finally, we develop multiplicity formulae for compact quotients $N/\varGamma $ where $\varGamma $ respects the filtration.     

Confirmation,Increase in Probability,and the Likelihood Ratio Measure: a Reply to Glass and McCartney

Bayesian confirmation theory is rife with confirmation measures. Zalabardo (2009) focuses on the probability difference measure, the probability ratio measure, the likelihood difference measure, and the likelihood ratio measure. He argues that the likelihood ratio measure is adequate, but each of the other three measures is not. He argues for this by setting out three adequacy conditions on confirmation measures and arguing in effect that all of them are met by the likelihood ratio measure but not by any of the other three measures. Glass and McCartney (2015), hereafter “G&M,” accept the conclusion of Zalabardo’s argument along with each of the premises in it. They nonetheless try to improve on Zalabardo’s argument by replacing his third adequacy condition with a weaker condition. They do this because of a worry to the effect that Zalabardo’s third adequacy condition runs counter to the idea behind his first adequacy condition. G&M have in mind confirmation in the sense of increase in probability: the degree to which E confirms H is a matter of the degree to which E increases H’s probability. I call this sense of confirmation “IP.” I set out four ways of precisifying IP. I call them “IP1,” “IP2,” “IP3,” and “IP4.” Each of them is based on the assumption that the degree to which E increases H’s probability is a matter of the distance between p(H | E) and a certain other probability involving H. I then evaluate G&M’s argument (with a minor fix) in light of them.     

Chern characters for twisted matrix factorizations and the vanishing of the higher Herbrand difference

We develop a theory of “ad hoc” Chern characters for twisted matrix factorizations associated to a scheme X, a line bundle \(\mathcal {L}\), and a regular global section \(W \in \Gamma (X, \mathcal {L})\). As an application, we establish the vanishing, in certain cases, of \(h_c^R(M,N)\), the higher Herbrand difference, and, \(\eta _c^R(M,N)\), the higher codimensional analogue of Hochster’s theta pairing, where R is a complete intersection of codimension c with isolated singularities and M and N are finitely generated R-modules. Specifically, we prove such vanishing if \(R = Q/(f_1, \dots , f_c)\) has only isolated singularities, Q is a smooth k-algebra, k is a field of characteristic 0, the \(f_i\)’s form a regular sequence, and \(c \ge 2\). Such vanishing was previously established in the general characteristic, but graded, setting in Moore et al. (Math Z 273(3–4):907–920, 2013).     

The Todd character and cohomology operations

In “On the Conflict of Bordism of Finite Complexes” [J. Differential Geometry], Conner and Smith introduced a homomorphism called the Todd character, relating complex bordism theory to rational homology. Specifically the Todd character consists of a family of homomorphisms

$\text{th}{}_{\mathrm{r}}\text{: MU}{}_{\mathrm{s}}\text{(X) → H}{}_{\mathrm{s\to r}}\text{(X;}\text{Q}\text{)}$

.In L. Smith, The Todd character and the integrality theorem for the Chern character, Ill. J. Math. it was shown (note that the indexing of the Todd character is somewhat different here) that there was an integrality theorem for th analogous to the Adams integrality theorem for the Chern character J. F. Adams, On the Chern character and the structure of the unitary group, Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc.57 (1961), 189–199; On the Chern character revisted, Ill. J. Math. Now Adams' first paper contains a wealth of information about the Chern character in addition to the integrality theorem already mentioned. Our objective in the present note is to derive analogous results for the Todd character. As in Smith these may then be used to deduce the results of Adams for the Chern character.     

Markov random fields,Markov cocycles and the 3-colored chessboard

The well-known Hammersley–Clifford Theorem states (under certain conditions) that any Markov random field is a Gibbs state for a nearest neighbor interaction. In this paper we study Markov random fields for which the proof of the Hammersley–Clifford Theorem does not apply. Following Petersen and Schmidt we utilize the formalism of cocycles for the homoclinic equivalence relation and introduce “Markov cocycles”, reparametrizations of Markov specifications. The main part of this paper exploits this to deduce the conclusion of the Hammersley–Clifford Theorem for a family of Markov random fields which are outside the theorem’s purview where the underlying graph is Z_d. This family includes all Markov random fields whose support is the d-dimensional “3-colored chessboard”. On the other extreme, we construct a family of shift-invariant Markov random fields which are not given by any finite range shift-invariant interaction.     

A Construction of Smooth Travel Groupoids on Finite Graphs

A travel groupoid is an algebraic system related with graphs. In this paper, we give an algorithm to construct smooth travel groupoids for any finite graph. This algorithm gives an answer of Nebeský’s question, “Does there exist a connected graph G such that G has no smooth travel groupoid?”, in finite cases.     

The size of infinite-dimensional representations

An infinite-dimensional representation π of a real reductive Lie group G can often be thought of as a function space on some manifold X. Although X is not uniquely defined by π, there are “geometric invariants” of π, first introduced by Roger Howe in the 1970s, related to the geometry of X. These invariants are easy to define but difficult to compute. I will describe some of the invariants, and recent progress toward computing them.     

Geometric inequalities on Heisenberg groups

We establish geometric inequalities in the sub-Riemannian setting of the Heisenberg group \(\mathbb H^n\). Our results include a natural sub-Riemannian version of the celebrated curvature-dimension condition of Lott–Villani and Sturm and also a geodesic version of the Borell–Brascamp–Lieb inequality akin to the one obtained by Cordero-Erausquin, McCann and Schmuckenschläger. The latter statement implies sub-Riemannian versions of the geodesic Prékopa–Leindler and Brunn–Minkowski inequalities. The proofs are based on optimal mass transportation and Riemannian approximation of \(\mathbb H^n\) developed by Ambrosio and Rigot. These results refute a general point of view, according to which no geometric inequalities can be derived by optimal mass transportation on singular spaces.