Thu, 22 Nov 2012

17:00 - 18:00
L3

A non-desarguesian projective plane of analytic origin

Boris Zilber
(Oxford)
Abstract
(This is a joint result with Katrin Tent.) We construct a series of new omega-stable non-desarguesian projective planes, including ones of Morley rank 2, 
avoiding a direct use of Hrushovski's construction. Instead we make use of the field of complex numbers with a holomorphic function  (Liouville function) which is an omega-stable structure by results of A.Wilkie and P.Koiran.  We first find a pseudo-plane interpretable in the above analytic structure and then "collapse" the pseudo-plane to a projective plane applying a modification of Hrushovski's mu-function. 
Thu, 01 Nov 2012

14:00 - 15:00
L3

Shifted Generic Cohomology

David Stewart
(Oxford)
Abstract

In 1977, Cline Parshall, Scott and van der Kallen wrote a seminal paper `Rational and generic cohomology' which exhibited a connection between the cohomology for algebraic groups and the cohomology for finite groups of Lie type, showing that in many cases one can conclude that there is an isomorphism of cohomology through restriction from the algebraic to the finite group.

One unfortunate problem with their result is that there remain infinitely many modules for which their theory---for good reason---tells us nothing. The main result of this talk (recent work with Parshall and Scott) is to show that almost all the time, one can manipulate the simple modules for finite groups of Lie type in such a way as to recover an isomorphism of its cohomology with that of the algebraic group.

Mon, 26 Nov 2012

12:00 - 13:00
L3

Scanning for stabilizing bundles in heterotic vacua

James Gray
(LMU Munich)
Abstract
I will describe methods for searching for bundles which are only holomorphic for isolated complex structures of a base Calabi-Yau threefold. These can be used, in the hidden sector of heterotic compactifications, to stabilize the associated moduli fields. Various bundle constructions will be covered, and the possibility and consequences of resolving the potentially singular threefolds which result will be discussed. If time permits, I will also briefly mention a large set of Calabi-Yau fourfolds which is currently being classified.
Thu, 22 Nov 2012

14:00 - 15:00
L3

Cherednik algebras for curves and deformed preprojective algebras

Dr Oleg Chalykh
Abstract

To any complex smooth variety Y with an action of a finite group G, Etingof associates a global Cherednik algebra. The usual rational Cherednik algebra corresponds to the case of Y= C^n and a finite Coxeter group G

Mon, 19 Nov 2012

12:00 - 13:00
L3

Holomorphic blocks in 3 dimensions

Sara Pasquetti
(University of Surrey)
Abstract
We show that sphere partition functions and indices of 3 dimensional, N = 2, gauge theories can be decomposed into a sum of products of a universal set of holomorphic blocks. The blocks count BPS states of a theory on R2 × S1 and are in one-to-one correspondence with the theory’s massive vacua. The blocks turn out to have a wealth of surprising properties such as a Stokes phenomenon and have interesting dual interpretations in analytically continued Chern-Simons theory and open topological strings.
Mon, 19 Nov 2012

15:45 - 16:45
L3

Finding Short Conjugators in Wreath Products and Free Solvable Groups

Andrew Sale
(Oxford)
Abstract

The question of estimating the length of short conjugators in between
elements in a group could be described as an effective version of the
conjugacy problem. Given a finitely generated group $G$ with word metric
$d$, one can ask whether there is a function $f$ such that two elements
$u,v$ in $G$ are conjugate if and only if there exists a conjugator $g$ such
that $d(1,g) \leq f(d(1,u)+d(1,v))$. We investigate this problem in free
solvable groups, showing that f may be cubic. To do this we use the Magnus
embedding, which allows us to see a free solvable group as a subgroup of a
particular wreath product. This makes it helpful to understand conjugacy
length in wreath products as well as metric properties of the Magnus
embedding.

Mon, 26 Nov 2012

15:45 - 16:45
L3

A polynomial upper bound on Reidemeister moves

Marc Lackenby
(Oxford)
Abstract

Consider a diagram of the unknot with c crossings. There is a

sequence of Reidemeister

moves taking this to the trivial diagram. But how many moves are required?

In my talk, I will give

an overview of my recent proof that there is there is an upper bound on the

number of moves, which

is a polynomial function of c.

Tue, 06 Nov 2012
12:00
L3

Hidden algebras in scattering amplitudes

Dr Ricardo Monteiro
(Neils Bohr Institute)
Abstract

We will discuss the origin of the conjectured colour-kinematics

duality in perturbative gauge theory, according to which there is a

symmetry between the colour dependence and the kinematic dependence of the

S-matrix. Based on this duality, there is a prescription to obtain gravity

amplitudes as the "double copy" of gauge theory amplitudes. We will first

consider tree-level amplitudes, where a diffeomorphism algebra underlies

the structure of MHV amplitudes, mirroring the colour algebra. We will

then draw on the progress at tree-level to consider one-loop amplitudes.

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