2022
Previous
Consider the singularity C^4/(Z/2), where Z/2 acts as the matrix diag(-1,-1,-1,-1). This singularity is special, in that it does not admit a crepant resolution. However, it does admit a so-called noncommutative crepant resolution, given by a Calabi-Yau 4 quiver. The moduli space of representations of this quiver turns out to share a lot of similarities with moduli spaces of sheaves over Calabi-Yau fourfolds, and it turns out that we can reuse techniques from studying moduli of sheaves to define and compute invariants of this moduli space of representations. In this talk, I will explain how these invariants can be defined, and give conjectures about the forms of these invariants. This talk is based on joint work with Raf Bocklandt.
As a consequence of the S-duality conjecture, Vafa and Witten conjectured certain symmetries concerning invariants derived from spaces of vector bundles on a closed Riemannian four-manifold. For a smooth complex projective surface X, a satisfying mathematical definition of Vafa-Witten invariants has been given by Tanaka and Thomas. Their invariants are a sum of two parts, one of which can be defined in terms of moduli spaces of stable vector bundles on X. Focusing on this instanton part of the VW invariants one can ask how it changes under blowing up the surface X. I will discuss joint work with Oliver Leigh and Yuuji Tanaka that answers this question.
I will explain how a recent “universal wall-crossing” framework of Joyce works in equivariant K-theory, which I view as a multiplicative refinement of equivariant cohomology. Enumerative invariants, possibly of strictly semistable objects living on the walls, are controlled by a certain (multiplicative version of) vertex algebra structure on the K-homology groups of the ambient stack. In very special settings like refined Vafa-Witten theory, one can obtain some explicit formulas. For moduli stacks of quiver representations, this geometric vertex algebra should be dual in some sense to the quantum loop algebras that act on the K-theory of stable loci.
Abstract (PDF)
In 80s Weibel observed that K-theory is homotopy invariant on Fp-schemes up to p-torsion. His main tool was the action of the ring Witt vectors on nil-K-groups: NKi(R) = Ker(Ki(R[t]) → Ki(R)). We will revisit the proof and check that the same result holds for all finitary localizing invariants.
I will explain how motivic homotopy theory can be used to attack problems regarding finite projective modules over smooth affine k-algebras. I will recall in particular the foundational theorem of Morel and Asok-Hoyois-Wendt, and the construction of the Barge-Morel Euler class. Time permitting, I will explain recent progress on Murthy's splitting conjecture.
Abstract (PDF)
I will discuss the question in the title. This is joint work with Alex Degtyarev and Ilia Itenberg. This will be a talk involving very classical topics in algebraic geometry. I will try to make the talk accessible to students at master- and PhD level.