Floer Homology Groups in Yang Mills Theory. Cambridge Tracts in Mathematics: 147.

Cambridge Tracts in Mathematics #147

by Simon K. Donaldson

The concept of Floer homology has been one of the most striking developments in differential geometry over the past 20 years. It yields rigorously defined invariants which can be viewed as homology groups of infinite-dimensional cycles. The ideas have led to great advances in the areas of low-dimensional topology and symplectic geometry and are intimately related to developments in Quantum Field Theory. The first half of this book gives a thorough account of Floer's construction in the context of gauge theory over 3 and 4-dimensional manifolds. The second half works out some further technical developments of the theory, and the final chapter outlines some research developments for the future - including a discussion of the appearance of modular forms in the theory. The scope of the material in this book means that it will appeal to graduate students as well as those on the frontiers of the subject.

246 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2002