University Lecture Series, Volume: 51
2009; 151 pp; softcover
ISBN-13: 978-0-8218-4373-4
Expected publication date is October 15, 2009.
The book examines in some depth two important classes of point processes, determinantal processes and "Gaussian zeros", i.e., zeros of random analytic functions with Gaussian coefficients. These processes share a property of "point-repulsion", where distinct points are less likely to fall close to each other than in processes, such as the Poisson process, that arise from independent sampling. Nevertheless, the treatment in the book emphasizes the use of independence: for random power series, the independence of coefficients is key; for determinantal processes, the number of points in a domain is a sum of independent indicators, and this yields a satisfying explanation of the central limit theorem (CLT) for this point count. Another unifying theme of the book is invariance of considered point processes under natural transformation groups.
The book strives for balance between general theory and concrete examples. On the one hand, it presents a primer on modern techniques on the interface of probability and analysis. On the other hand, a wealth of determinantal processes of intrinsic interest are analyzed; these arise from random spanning trees and eigenvalues of random matrices, as well as from special power series with determinantal zeros.
The material in the book formed the basis of a graduate course given at the IAS-Park City Summer School in 2007; the only background knowledge assumed can be acquired in first-year graduate courses in analysis and probability.
Graduate students and research mathematicians interested in random processes and their relations to complex analysis.
Contemporary Mathematics, Volume: 496
2009; 362 pp; softcover
ISBN-13: 978-0-8218-4746-6
Expected publication date is October 16, 2009.
This volume contains the proceedings of the conference on Interactions of Classical and Numerical Algebraic Geometry, held May 22-24, 2008, at the University of Notre Dame, in honor of the achievements of Professor Andrew J. Sommese.
While classical algebraic geometry has been studied for hundreds of years, numerical algebraic geometry has only recently been developed. Due in large part to the work of Andrew Sommese and his collaborators, the intersection of these two fields is now ripe for rapid advancement. The primary goal of both the conference and this volume is to foster the interaction between researchers interested in classical algebraic geometry and those interested in numerical methods.
The topics in this book include (but are not limited to) various new results in complex algebraic geometry, a primer on Seshadri constants, analyses and presentations of existing and novel numerical homotopy methods for solving polynomial systems, a numerical method for computing the dimensions of the cohomology of twists of ideal sheaves, and the application of algebraic methods in kinematics and phylogenetics.
Graduate students and research mathematicians interested in algebraic geometry, numerical methods, and applications in engineering.
Contemporary Mathematics, Volume: 497
2009; 227 pp; softcover
ISBN-13: 978-0-8218-4840-1
Expected publication date is October 31, 2009.
Vertex operator algebras were introduced to mathematics in the work of Richard Borcherds, Igor Frenkel, James Lepowsky and Arne Meurman as a mathematically rigorous formulation of chiral algebras of two-dimensional conformal field theory. The aim was to use vertex operator algebras to explain and prove the remarkable Monstrous Moonshine conjectures in group theory. The theory of vertex operator algebras has now grown into a major research area in mathematics.
These proceedings contain expository lectures and research papers presented during the international conference on Vertex Operator Algebras and Related Areas, held at Illinois State University in Normal, IL, from July 7 to July 11, 2008.
The main aspects of this conference were connections and interactions of vertex operator algebras with the following areas: conformal field theories, quantum field theories, Hopf algebra, infinite dimensional Lie algebras, and modular forms. This book will be useful for researchers as well as for graduate students in mathematics and physics. Its purpose is not only to give an up-to-date overview of the fields covered by the conference, but also to stimulate new directions and discoveries by experts in the areas.
Graduate students and research mathematicians interested in vertex operator algebras and its relations to infinite-dimensional Lie algebra, quantum filed theory, and modular forms.
2009; 303 pp; hardcover
ISBN-13: 978-0-8218-4880-7
Expected publication date is November 19, 2009.
Number theory is one of the few areas of mathematics where problems of substantial interest can be fully described to someone with minimal mathematical background. Solving such problems sometimes requires difficult and deep methods. But this is not a universal phenomenon; many engaging problems can be successfully attacked with little more than one's mathematical bare hands. In this case one says that the problem can be solved in an elementary way. Such elementary methods and the problems to which they apply are the subject of this book.
Not Always Buried Deep is designed to be read and enjoyed by those who wish to explore elementary methods in modern number theory. The heart of the book is a thorough introduction to elementary prime number theory, including Dirichlet's theorem on primes in arithmetic progressions, the Brun sieve, and the Erdos-Selberg proof of the prime number theorem. Rather than trying to present a comprehensive treatise, Pollack focuses on topics that are particularly attractive and accessible. Other topics covered include Gauss's theory of cyclotomy and its applications to rational reciprocity laws, Hilbert's solution to Waring's problem, and modern work on perfect numbers.
The nature of the material means that little is required in terms of prerequisites: The reader is expected to have prior familiarity with number theory at the level of an undergraduate course and a first course in modern algebra (covering groups, rings, and fields). The exposition is complemented by over 200 exercises and 400 references.
Undergraduates, graduate students, and research mathematicians interested in number theory.