Multiplicativity of Holomorphic Euler Characteristic

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 128 views

Introduction

In the realm of algebraic geometry, the study of compact complex manifolds and their properties has been a subject of great interest. One of the fundamental invariants used to describe these manifolds is the holomorphic Euler characteristic, denoted by χ(M). This invariant provides valuable information about the topology and geometry of the manifold. In this article, we will explore the property of the holomorphic Euler characteristic being multiplicative along covering maps, and discuss the possibility of a proof that avoids the use of the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem.

Background

Let M be a compact complex manifold, and p: \tilde{M} → M a finite covering map of order m. The Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem provides a relationship between the holomorphic Euler characteristic of M and the holomorphic Euler characteristic of \tilde{M}. Specifically, it states that:

χ(M) := ∑p (-1)^p h^p(...)

where h^p(...) denotes the p-th cohomology group of M with coefficients in a suitable sheaf. The Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem is a powerful tool in algebraic geometry, but it relies on the use of sheaf cohomology and the Grothendieck-Riemann-Roch theorem.

Multiplicativity of Holomorphic Euler Characteristic

The holomorphic Euler characteristic is multiplicative along covering maps, meaning that if p: \tilde{M} → M is a finite covering map of order m, then:

χ(\tilde{M}) = m * χ(M)

This property is a consequence of the fact that the holomorphic Euler characteristic is a topological invariant, and covering maps preserve the topology of the manifold.

Is There a Proof Avoiding Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch?

The question of whether there is a proof of the multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic that avoids the use of the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem is an open problem in algebraic geometry. While the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem provides a powerful tool for computing the holomorphic Euler characteristic, it relies on the use of sheaf cohomology and the Grothendieck-Riemann-Roch theorem.

Alternative Approaches

There are several alternative approaches that have been proposed to prove the multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic without relying on the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem. Some of these approaches include:

Using the Atiyah-Singer index theorem: This theorem provides a relationship between the holomorphic Euler characteristic and the index of a family of elliptic operators on the manifold.
Using the Chern-Weil theory: This theory provides a way to compute the holomorphic Euler characteristic using the Chern classes of a complex vector bundle on the manifold.
Using the étale cohomology: This approach uses the étale cohomology of the manifold to compute the holomorphic Euler characteristic.

Open Problems

While the multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic is a well-established result in algebraic geometry, there are still several open problems related to this topic. Some of these open problems include:

Finding a proof that avoids the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem: As mentioned earlier, this is an open problem in algebraic geometry.
Computing the holomorphic Euler characteristic for non-compact manifolds: The holomorphic Euler characteristic is typically defined for compact manifolds, but there are several approaches that have been proposed to extend this definition to non-compact manifolds.
Understanding the relationship between the holomorphic Euler characteristic and other invariants: The holomorphic Euler characteristic is just one of several invariants that can be used to describe a compact complex manifold. Understanding the relationships between these invariants is an active area of research in algebraic geometry.

Conclusion

Q: What is the holomorphic Euler characteristic?

A: The holomorphic Euler characteristic is a topological invariant that provides valuable information about the topology and geometry of compact complex manifolds. It is defined as the alternating sum of the dimensions of the cohomology groups of the manifold.

Q: What is the relationship between the holomorphic Euler characteristic and the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem?

A: The Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem provides a relationship between the holomorphic Euler characteristic of a compact complex manifold and the holomorphic Euler characteristic of its étale cover. Specifically, it states that the holomorphic Euler characteristic is multiplicative along covering maps.

Q: What is the significance of the multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic?

A: The multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic is a fundamental property that has far-reaching implications in algebraic geometry. It provides a way to compute the holomorphic Euler characteristic of a compact complex manifold in terms of the holomorphic Euler characteristic of its étale cover.

Q: Can you provide an example of how the multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic is used in practice?

A: Yes, consider a compact complex manifold M and its étale cover \tilde{M} of order m. The multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic implies that:

χ(\tilde{M}) = m * χ(M)

This property is useful in computing the holomorphic Euler characteristic of \tilde{M} in terms of the holomorphic Euler characteristic of M.

Q: Are there any alternative approaches to proving the multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic?

A: Yes, there are several alternative approaches that have been proposed to prove the multiplicativity of the holomorphic Euler characteristic without relying on the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem. Some of these approaches include:

Using the Atiyah-Singer index theorem
Using the Chern-Weil theory
Using the étale cohomology

Q: What are some of the open problems related to the holomorphic Euler characteristic?

A: Some of the open problems related to the holomorphic Euler characteristic include:

Finding a proof that avoids the Hirzebruch--Riemann-Roch theorem
Computing the holomorphic Euler characteristic for non-compact manifolds
Understanding the relationship between the holomorphic Euler characteristic and other invariants

Q: Can you provide more information about the étale cohomology approach to computing the holomorphic Euler characteristic?

A: Yes, the étale cohomology approach to computing the holomorphic Euler characteristic is based on the idea of using the étale cohomology of the manifold to compute the holomorphic Euler characteristic. This approach is useful in computing the holomorphic Euler characteristic of a compact complex manifold in terms of the étale cohomology of its étale cover.

Q: Are there any applications of the holomorphic Euler characteristic in other areas of mathematics?

A: Yes, the holomorphic Euler characteristic has applications in other areas of mathematics, including:

Algebraic topology
Differential geometry
Number theory

Q: Can you provide more information about the relationship between the holomorphic Euler characteristic and other invariants?

A: Yes, the holomorphic Euler characteristic is related to other invariants, including:

The Chern classes
The Todd classes
The Hirzebruch classes

Understanding the relationships between these invariants is an active area of research in algebraic geometry.