Andrei Tyurin, Steklov Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Quantization, Classical and Quantum Field Theory and Theta Functions

Expected publication date is November 21, 2003

Description

This book is written by a well-known expert in classical algebraic geometry. Tyurin's research was specifically in explicit computations to vector bundles on algebraic varieties. This is the only available monograph written from his unique viewpoint.

Ordinary (abelian) theta functions describe properties of moduli spaces of one-dimensional vector bundles on algebraic curves. Non-abelian theta functions, which are the main topic of this book, play a similar role in the study of higher-dimensional vector bundles. The book presents various aspects of the theory of non-abelian theta functions and the moduli spaces of vector bundles, including their applications to problems of quantization and to classical and quantum conformal field theories.

The book is an important source of information for specialists in algebraic geometry and its applications to mathematical aspects of quantum field theory.

Contents

Quantization procedure
Algebraic curves = Riemann surfaces
Non-abelian theta functions
Symplectic geometry of moduli spaces of vector bundles
Two versions of CQFT
Three-valent graphs
Analytical aspects of the theory of non-abelian theta functions
BPU-map
The main weapon
Bibliography

Details:

Series: CRM Monograph Series, Volume: 21
Publication Year: 2003
ISBN: 0-8218-3240-9
Paging: 136 pp.
Binding: Hardcover

Dominique Cerveau, Universite de Rennes, France, Etienne Ghys, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, France, and Nessim Sibony and Jean-Christophe Yoccoz, Universite de Paris-Sud, Orsay, France

Complex Dynamics and Geometry

Expected publication date is October 24, 2003

Description

In the last twenty years, the theory of holomorphic dynamical systems has had a resurgence of activity, particularly concerning the fine analysis of Julia sets associated with polynomials and rational maps in one complex variable. At the same time, closely related theories have had a similar rapid development, for example the qualitative theory of differential equations in the complex domain.

The meeting, "Etat de la recherche", held at Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, presented the current state of the art in this area, emphasizing the unity linking the various sub-domains. This volume contains four survey articles corresponding to the talks presented at this meeting.

D. Cerveau describes the structure of polynomial differential equations in the complex plane, focusing on the local analysis in neighborhoods of singular points. E. Ghys surveys the theory of laminations by Riemann surfaces which occur in many dynamical or geometrical situations. N. Sibony describes the present state of the generalization of the Fatou-Julia theory for polynomial or rational maps in two or more complex dimensions. Lastly, the talk by J.-C. Yoccoz, written by M. Flexor, considers polynomials of degree 2 in one complex variable, and in particular, with the hyperbolic properties of these polynomials centered around the Jakobson theorem.

This is a general introduction that gives a basic history of holomorphic dynamical systems, demonstrating the numerous and fruitful interactions among the topics. In the spirit of the "Etat de la recherche de la SMF" meetings, the articles are written for a broad mathematical audience, especially students or mathematicians working in different fields. This book is translated from the French edition by Leslie Kay.
Contents

Holomorphic dynamical systems
Codimension-one holomorphic folations, reduction of singularities in low dimensions, and applications
Riemann surface laminations
Dynamics of rational maps on mathbb{P}^k
Dynamics of quadratic polynomials

Details:

Series: SMF/AMS Texts and Monographs, Volume: 10
Publication Year: 2003
ISBN: 0-8218-3228-X
Paging: 197 pp.
Binding: Softcover

Thomas A. Ivey, College of Charleston, SC,
and J.M. Landsberg, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

Cartan for Beginners:
Differential Geometry via Moving Frames and Exterior Differential Systems

Expected publication date is October 23, 2003

Description

This book is an introduction to Cartan's approach to differential geometry. Two central methods in Cartan's geometry are the theory of exterior differential systems and the method of moving frames. This book presents thorough and modern treatments of both subjects, including their applications to both classic and contemporary problems.

It begins with the classical geometry of surfaces and basic Riemannian geometry in the language of moving frames, along with an elementary introduction to exterior differential systems. Key concepts are developed incrementally with motivating examples leading to definitions, theorems, and proofs.

Once the basics of the methods are established, the authors develop applications and advanced topics. One notable application is to complex algebraic geometry, where they expand and update important results from projective differential geometry.

The book features an introduction to G-structures and a treatment of the theory of connections. The Cartan machinery is also applied to obtain explicit solutions of PDEs via Darboux's method, the method of characteristics, and Cartan's method of equivalence.

This text is suitable for a one-year graduate course in differential geometry, and parts of it can be used for a one-semester course. It has numerous exercises and examples throughout. It will also be useful to experts in areas such as PDEs and algebraic geometry who want to learn how moving frames and exterior differential systems apply to their fields.

Contents

Moving frames and exterior differential systems
Euclidean geometry and Riemannian geometry
Projective geometry
Cartan-Kahler I: Linear algebra and constant-coefficient homogeneous systems
Cartan-Kahler II: The Cartan algorithm for linear Pfaffian systems
Applications to PDE
Cartan-Kahler III: The general case
Geometric structures and connections
Linear algebra and representation theory
Differential forms
Complex structures and complex manifolds
Initial value problems
Hints and answers to selected exercises
Bibliography
Index

Details:

Series: Graduate Studies in Mathematics, Volume: 61
Publication Year: 2003
ISBN: 0-8218-3375-8
Paging: 378 pp.
Binding: Hardcover

Edited by: Giovanni Alessandrini, Universita de Trieste, Italy,
and Gunther Uhlmann, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Inverse Problems: Theory and Applications

Expected publication date is December 6, 2003

Description

This volume presents the proceedings of a workshop on Inverse Problems and Applications and a special session on Inverse Boundary Problems and Applications.

Inverse problems arise in practical situations, such as medical imaging, exploration geophysics, and non-destructive evaluation where measurements made in the exterior of a body are used to deduce properties of the hidden interior. A large class of inverse problems arise from a physical situation modeled by partial differential equations. The inverse problem is to determine some coefficients of the equation given some information about solutions. Analysis of such problems is a fertile area for interaction between pure and applied mathematics. This interplay is well represented in this volume where several theoretical and applied aspects of inverse problems are considered.

The book includes articles on a broad range of inverse problems including the inverse conductivity problem, inverse problems for Maxwell's equations, time reversal mirrors, ultrasound using elastic pressure waves, inverse problems arising in the environment, inverse scattering for the three-body problem, and optical tomography. Also included are several articles on unique continuation and on the study of propagation of singularities for hyperbolic equations in anisotropic media.

This volume is suitable for graduate students and research mathematicians interested in inverse problems and applications.

Contents

G. Alessandrini, A. Morassi, and E. Rosset -- Size estimates
V. Bacchelli, C. D. Pagani, and F. Saleri -- Uniqueness in the inverse conductivity problem for thin imperfections weakly or strongly conducting
E. Beretta and E. Francini -- Asymptotic formulas for perturbations in the electromagnetic fields due to the presence of thin inhomogeneities
L. Borcea, G. Papanicolaou, and C. Tsogka -- A resolution study for imaging and time reversal in random media
L. Escauriaza and S. Vessella -- Optimal three cylinder inequalities for solutions to parabolic equations with Lipschitz leading coefficients
M. Giudici -- Some problems for the application of inverse techniques to environmental modeling
V. Isakov, G. Nakamura, and J.-N. Wang -- Uniqueness and stability in the Cauchy problem for the elasticity system with residual stress
L. Ji and J. McLaughlin -- Using a Hankel function expansion to identify stiffness for the boundary impulse input experiment
C. E. Kenig, G. Ponce, and L. Vega -- On the uniqueness of solutions of higher order nonlinear dispersive equations
Y. V. Kurylev, M. Lassas, and E. Somersalo -- Reconstruction of a manifold from electromagnetic boundary measurements
A. Lorenzi and E. Paparoni -- Direct and inverse problems for second-order integro-differential operator equations in an unbounded time interval
C. J. Nolan and G. Uhlmann -- Geometrical optics for generic anisotropic materials
M. Piana and M. Bertero -- Linear approaches in microwave tomography
A. Tamasan -- Optical tomography in weakly anisotropic scattering media
G. Uhlmann and A. Vasy -- Inverse problems in three-body scattering

Details:

Series: Contemporary Mathematics,Volume: 333
Publication Year: 2003
ISBN: 0-8218-3367-7
Paging: approximately 224 pp.
Binding: Softcover

Andreas Arvanitoyeorgos, The American College of Greece, Deree Campus, Athens, Greece

An Introduction to Lie Groups and the Geometry of Homogeneous Spaces

Expected publication date is November 21, 2003

Description

It is remarkable that so much about Lie groups could be packed into this small book. But after reading it, students will be well-prepared to continue with more advanced, graduate-level topics in differential geometry or the theory of Lie groups.

The theory of Lie groups involves many areas of mathematics: algebra, differential geometry, algebraic geometry, analysis, and differential equations. In this book, Arvanitoyeorgos outlines enough of the prerequisites to get the reader started. He then chooses a path through this rich and diverse theory that aims for an understanding of the geometry of Lie groups and homogeneous spaces. In this way, he avoids the extra detail needed for a thorough discussion of representation theory.

Lie groups and homogeneous spaces are especially useful to study in geometry, as they provide excellent examples where quantities (such as curvature) are easier to compute. A good understanding of them provides lasting intuition, especially in differential geometry.

The author provides several examples and computations. Topics discussed include the classification of compact and connected Lie groups, Lie algebras, geometrical aspects of compact Lie groups and reductive homogeneous spaces, and important classes of homogeneous spaces, such as symmetric spaces and flag manifolds. Applications to more advanced topics are also included, such as homogeneous Einstein metrics, Hamiltonian systems, and homogeneous geodesics in homogeneous spaces.

The book is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and research mathematicians interested in differential geometry and neighboring fields, such as topology, harmonic analysis, and mathematical physics.

Contents

Lie groups
Maximal tori and the classification theorem
The geometry of a compact Lie group
Homogeneous spaces
The geometry of a reductive homogeneous space
Symmetric spaces
Generalized flag manifolds
Advanced topics
Bibliography
Index

Details:

Series: Student Mathematical Library, Volume: 22
Publication Year: 2003
ISBN: 0-8218-2778-2
Paging: 141 pp.
Binding: Softcover