Stringy E-functions of varieties with A-D-E singularities

The stringy E-function for normal irreducible complex varieties with at worst log terminal singularities was introduced by Batyrev. It is defined by data from a log resolution. If the variety is projective and Gorenstein and the stringy E-function is a polynomial, Batyrev also defined the stringy Hodge numbers as a generalization of the Hodge numbers of nonsingular projective varieties, and conjectured that they are nonnegative. We compute explicit formulae for the contribution of an A-D-E singularity to the stringy E-function in arbitrary dimension. With these results we can say when the stringy E-function of a variety with such singularities is a polynomial and in that case we prove that the stringy Hodge numbers are nonnegative. Research Assistant of the Fund for Scientific Research - Flanders (Belgium) (F.W.O.),     

Non-Archimedean integrals and stringy Euler numbers of log-terminal pairs

Using non-Archimedian integration over spaces of arcs of algebraic varieties, we define stringy Euler numbers associated with arbitrary Kawamata log-terminal pairs. There is a natural Kawamata log-terminal pair corresponding to an algebraic variety V having a regular action of a finite group G. In this situation we show that the stringy Euler number of this pair coincides with the physicists’ orbifold Euler number defined by the Dixon-Harvey-Vafa-Witten formula. As an application, we prove a conjecture of Miles Reid on the Euler numbers of crepant desingularizations of Gorenstein quotient singularities. Received March 19, 1998     

Chen-Ruan Cohomology and Stringy Orbifold K-Theory for Stable Almost Complex Orbifolds

Comparing to the construction of stringy cohomology ring of equivariant stable almost complex manifolds and its relation with the Chen-Ruan cohomology ring of the quotient almost complex orbifolds, the authors construct in this note a Chen-Ruan cohomology ring for a stable almost complex orbifold. The authors show that for a finite group G and a G-equivariant stable almost complex manifold X, the G-invariant part of the stringy cohomology ring of (X, G) is isomorphic to the Chen-Ruan cohomology ring of the global quotient stable almost complex orbifold [X/G]. Similar result holds when G is a torus and the action is locally free. Moreover, for a compact presentable stable almost complex orbifold, they study the stringy orbifold K-theory and its relation with Chen-Ruan cohomology ring.     

The stringy E‐function of the moduli space of Higgs bundles with trivial determinant

Let M be the moduli space of semistable rank 2 Higgs pairs (V, ϕ) with trivial determinant over a smooth projective curve X of genus g ≥ 2. We provide an explicit formula for the stringy E‐function of M . (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Ehrhart polynomials and stringy Betti numbers

We study the connection between stringy Betti numbers of Gorenstein toric varieties and the generating functions of the Ehrhart polynomials of certain polyhedral regions. We use this point of view to give counterexamples to Hibi's conjecture on the unimodality of δ-vectors of reflexive polytopes. The first author was partially supported by NSF grant DMS 0500127 and the second author was supported by a Graduate Research Fellowship from the NSF     

A note on holonomy of gerbes over orbifolds

In this paper, we generalize the construction of the inverse transgression map done by Adem, A., Ruan, Y. and Zhang, B. in [A stringy product on twisted orbifold K-theory. Morfismos, 11, 33 64 （2007）] and give a different proof to the statement that the image of the inverse transgression map for a gerbe with connection over an orbifold is an inner local system on its inertia orbifold.     

Seiberg-Witten Invariants and Surface Singularities. II: Singularities with Good C*-Action

A previous conjecture is verified for any normal surface singularitywhich admits a good C^*-action. This result connects the Seiberg–Witteninvariant of the link (associated with a certain ‘canonical’spin^c structure) with the geometric genus of the singularity,provided that the link is a rational homology sphere. As an application, a topological interpretation is found ofthe generalized Batyrev stringy invariant (in the sense of Veys)associated with such a singularity. The result is partly based on the computation of the Reidemeister–Turaevsign-refined torsion and the Seiberg–Witten invariant(associated with any spin^c structure) of a Seifert 3-manifoldwith negative orbifold Euler number and genus zero.     

Gorenstein polytopes and their stringy E-functions

Inspired by ideas from algebraic geometry, Batyrev and the first named author have introduced the stringy E-function of a Gorenstein polytope. We prove that this a priori rational function is actually a polynomial, which is part of a conjecture of Batyrev and the first named author. The proof relies on a comparison result for the lattice point structure of a Gorenstein polytope P, a face F of P and the face of the dual Gorenstein polytope corresponding to F. In addition, we study joins of Gorenstein polytopes and introduce the notion of an irreducible Gorenstein polytope. We show how these concepts relate to the decomposition of nef-partitions.     

Stringy Chern classes of singular varieties

Motivic integration [M. Kontsevich, Motivic integration, Lecture at Orsay, 1995] and MacPherson's transformation [R. MacPherson, Chern classes for singular varieties, Ann. of Math. 100 (1974) 423-432] are combined in this paper to construct a theory of “stringy” Chern classes for singular varieties. These classes enjoy strong birational invariance properties, and their definition encodes data coming from resolution of singularities. The singularities allowed in the theory are those typical of the minimal model program; examples are given by quotients of manifolds by finite groups. For the latter an explicit formula is proven, assuming that the canonical line bundle of the manifold descends to the quotient. This gives an expression of the stringy Chern class of the quotient in terms of Chern-Schwartz-MacPherson classes of the fixed-point set data.     

The null energy condition and cosmology

Field theories that violate the null energy condition (NEC) are of interest both for the solution of the cosmological singularity problem and for models of cosmological dark energy with the equation of state parameter w < −1. We consider two recently proposed models that violate the NEC. The ghost condensate model requires higher-derivative terms in the action, and this leads to a heavy ghost field and energy unbounded from below. We estimate the rates of particle decay and discuss possible mass limitations to protect the stability of matter in the ghost condensate model. The nonlocal stringy model that arises from a cubic string field theory and exhibits a phantom behavior also leads to energy unbounded from below. In this case, the energy spectrum is continuous, and there are no particle-like excitations. This model admits a natural UV completion because it comes from superstring theory. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Matematicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 155, No. 1, pp. 3–12, April, 2008.     

Dispersion relations in string theory

We analyze the analytic continuation of the formally divergent one-loop amplitude for scattering of the gravitonmultiplet in the Type II superstring. In particular we obtain explicit double and single dispersion relations, formulas for all the successive branch cuts extending out to +, as well as for the decay rate of a massive string state of arbitrary mass2N into two string states of lower mass. We compare our results with the box diagram in a superposition of ³-like field theories. The stringy effects are traced to a convergence problem in this superposition.Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Matematicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 98. No. 3, pp. 442–455, March, 1994.     

Stringlike structures in Kerr-Schild geometry: The N=2 string, twistors, and the Calabi-Yau twofold

The four-dimensional Kerr-Schild geometry contains two stringy structures. The first is the closed string formed by the Kerr singular ring, and the second is an open complex string obtained in the complex structure of the Kerr-Schild geometry. The real and complex Kerr strings together form a membrane source of the over-rotating Kerr-Newman solution without a horizon, a = J/m ? m. It was also recently found that the principal null congruence of the Kerr geometry is determined by the Kerr theorem as a quartic in the projective twistor space, which corresponds to an embedding of the Calabi-Yau twofold into the bulk of the Kerr geometry. We describe this embedding in detail and show that the four sheets of the twistorial K3 surface represent an analytic extension of the Kerr congruence created by antipodal involution.     

Matrix models, complex geometry, and integrable systems: I

We consider the simplest gauge theories given by one-and two-matrix integrals and concentrate on their stringy and geometric properties. We recall the general integrable structure behind the matrix integrals and turn to the geometric properties of planar matrix models, demonstrating that they are universally described in terms of integrable systems directly related to the theory of complex curves. We study the main ingredients of this geometric picture, suggesting that it can be generalized beyond one complex dimension, and formulate them in terms of semiclassical integrable systems solved by constructing tau functions or prepotentials. We discuss the complex curves and tau functions of one-and two-matrix models in detail. [This article was written at the request of the Editorial Board. It is based on several lectures presented at schools of mathematical physics and talks at the conference “Complex Geometry and String Theory” and the Polivanov memorial seminar.] __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Matematicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 147, No. 2, pp. 163–228, May, 2006.     

Is quantum space-time infinite dimensional

The stringy uncertainty relations, and corrections thereof, were explicitly derived recently from the new relativity principle that treats all dimensions and signatures on the same footing and which is based on the postulate that the Planck scale is the minimal length in nature in the same vein that the speed of light was taken as the maximum velocity in Einstein's theory of Special Relativity. A simple numerical argument is presented which suggests that quantum space-time may very well be infinite dimensional. A discussion of the repercussions of this new paradigm in Physics is given. A truly remarkably simple and plausible solution of the cosmological constant problem results from the new relativity principle: The cosmological constant is not a constant, in the same vein that energy in Einstein's Special Relativity is observer dependent. Finally, following El Naschie, we argue why the observed D=4 world might just be an average dimension over the infinite possible values of the quantum space-time and why the compactification mechanisms from higher to four dimensions in string theory may not be actually the right way to look at the world at Planck scales.     

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.     

Non-degenerate Invariant (Super)Symmetric Bilinear Forms on Simple Lie (Super)Algebras

We review the list of non-degenerate invariant (super)symmetric bilinear forms (briefly: NIS) on the following simple (relatives of) Lie (super)algebras: (a) with symmetrizable Cartan matrix of any growth, (b) with non-symmetrizable Cartan matrix of polynomial growth, (c) Lie (super)algebras of vector fields with polynomial coefficients, (d) stringy a.k.a. superconformal superalgebras, (e) queerifications of simple restricted Lie algebras. Over algebraically closed fields of positive characteristic, we establish when the deform (i.e., the result of deformation) of the known finite-dimensional simple Lie (super)algebra has a NIS. Amazingly, in most of the cases considered, if the Lie (super)algebra has a NIS, its deform has a NIS with the same Gram matrix after an identification of bases of the initial and deformed algebras. We do not consider odd parameters of deformations. Closely related with simple Lie (super)algebras with NIS is the notion of doubly extended Lie (super)algebras of which affine Kac–Moody (super)algebras are the most known examples.     

Augmented Teichmüller spaces and orbifolds

We study complex analytic properties of the augmented Teichmüller spaces [`(T)]<sub>g,n</sub>{\overline{\mathcal{T}}_{g,n}} obtained by adding to the classical Teichmüller spaces T<sub>g,n</sub>{\mathcal{T}_{g,n}} points corresponding to Riemann surfaces with nodal singularities. Unlike T<sub>g,n</sub>{\mathcal{T}_{g,n}}, the space [`(T)]_g,n{\overline{\mathcal{T}}_{g,n}} is not a complex manifold (it is not even locally compact). We prove, however, that the quotient of the augmented Teichmüller space by any finite index subgroup of the Teichmüller modular group has a canonical structure of a complex orbifold. Using this structure, we construct natural maps from [`(T)]{\overline{\mathcal{T}}} to stacks of admissible coverings of stable Riemann surfaces. This result is important for understanding the cup-product in stringy orbifold cohomology. We also establish some new technical results from the general theory of orbifolds which may be of independent interest.     

Singularités canoniques et actions horosphériques

Let G be a connected reductive linear algebraic group. We consider the normal G-varieties with horospherical orbits. In this short note, we provide a criterion to determine whether these varieties have at most canonical, log canonical or terminal singularities in the case where they admit an algebraic curve as rational quotient. This result seems to be new in the special setting of torus actions with general orbits of codimension 1. For the given G-variety X, our criterion is expressed in terms of a weight function ${\omega }_X$ that is constructed from the set of G-invariant valuations of the function field $k(X)$. In the log terminal case, the generating function of ${\omega }_X$ coincides with the stringy motivic volume of X. As an application, we discuss the case of normal $k^{?}$-surfaces.