Singularity theory encompasses many different aspects of geometry and topology, and an overview of these is represented here by papers given at the International Singularity Conference held in 1991 at Lille. The conference attracted researchers from a wide variety of subject areas, including differential and algebraic geometry, topology, and mathematical physics. Some of the best known figures in their fields participated, and their papers have been collected here. Contributors to this volume include G. Barthel, J. W. Bruce, F. Delgado, M. Ferrarotti, G. M. Greuel, J. P. Henry, L. Kaup, B. Lichtin, B. Malgrange, M. Merle, D. Mond, L. Narvaez, V. Neto, A. A. Du Plessis, R. Thom and M. Vaquié. Research workers in singularity theory or related subjects will find that this book contains a wealth of valuable information on all aspects of the subject.
Since the time of Lagrange and Euler, it has been well known that an understanding of algebraic curves can illuminate the picture of rigid bodies provided by classical mechanics. A modern view of the role played by algebraic geometry has been established iby many mathematicians. This book presents some of these techniques, which fall within the orbit of finite dimensional integrable systems. The main body of the text presents a rich assortment of methods and ideas from algebraic geometry prompted by classical mechanics, whilst in appendices the general, abstract theory is described. The methods are given a topological application to the study of Liouville tori and their bifurcations. The book is based on courses for graduate students given by the author at Strasbourg University but the wealth of original ideas will make it also appeal to researchers.
The aim of this book is to unite the seemingly disparate topics of Clifford algebras, analysis on manifolds and harmonic analysis. The authors show how algebra, geometry and differential equations all play a more fundamental role in Euclidean Fourier analysis than has been fully realized before. Their presentation of the Euclidean theory then links up naturally with the representation theory of semi-simple Lie groups. By keeping the treatment relatively simple, the book will be accessible to graduate students, yet the more advanced reader will also appreciate the wealth of results and insights made available here.
Radiation from astronomical objects generally shows some degree of polarization. Although this polarized radiation is usually only a small fraction of the total radiation, it often carries a wealth of information on the physical state and geometry of the emitting object and intervening material. Measurement of this polarized radiation is central to much modern astrophysical research. This handy volume provides a clear, comprehensive and concise introduction to astronomical polarimetry at all wavelengths. Starting from first principles and a simple physical picture of polarized radiation, the reader is introduced to all the key topics, including Stokes parameters, applications of polarimetry in astronomy, polarization algebra, polarization errors and calibration methods, and a selection of instruments (from radio to X-ray). The book is rounded off with a number of useful case studies, a collection of exercises, an extensive list of further reading and an informative index. This review o
This two-volume book contains selected papers from the international conference 'Groups 1993 Galway/St Andrews' which was held at University College, Galway in August 1993. The wealth and diversity of group theory is represented in these two volumes. Five main lecture courses were given at the conference. These were 'Geometry, Steinberg representations and complexity' by J. L. Alperin (Chicago), 'Rickard equivalences and block theory' by M. Broué (ENS, Paris), 'Cohomological finiteness conditions', by P. H. Kropholler (Queen Mary and Westfield College, London), 'Counting finite index subgroups', by A. Lubotzky (Hebrew University, Jerusalem), 'Lie methods in group theory' by E. I. Zel'manov (University of Wisconsin at Madison). Articles based on their lectures, in one case co-authored, form a substantial part of the Proceedings. Another main feature of the conference was a GAP workshop jointly run by J. Neubüser and M. Schönert (Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschole, Aachen). Two
This two-volume book contains selected papers from the international conference 'Groups 1993 Galway/St Andrews' which was held at University College Galway in August 1993. The wealth and diversity of group theory is represented in these two volumes. Five main lecture courses were given at the conference. These were 'Geometry, Steinberg representations and complexity' by J. L. Alperin (Chicago), 'Rickard equivalences and block theory' by M. Broué (ENS, Paris), 'Cohomological finiteness conditions' by P. H. Kropholler (QMW, London), 'Counting finite index subgroups' by A. Lubotzky (Hebrew University, Jerusalem), 'Lie methods in group theory' by E. I. Zel'manov (University of Wisconsin at Madison). Articles based on their lectures, in one case co-authored, form a substantial part of the Proceedings. Another main feature of the conference was a GAP workshop jointly run by J. Neubüser and M. Schönert (RWTH, Aachen). Two articles by Professor Neubüser, one co-authored, appear in the Procee
There has been a resurgence of interest in classical invariant theory driven by several factors: new theoretical developments; a revival of computational methods coupled with powerful new computer algebra packages; and a wealth of new applications, ranging from number theory to geometry, physics to computer vision. This book provides readers with a self-contained introduction to the classical theory as well as modern developments and applications. The text concentrates on the study of binary forms (polynomials) in characteristic zero, and uses analytical as well as algebraic tools to study and classify invariants, symmetry, equivalence and canonical forms. It also includes a variety of innovations that make this text of interest even to veterans of the subject. Aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students the book includes many exercises and historical details, complete proofs of the fundamental theorems, and a lively and provocative exposition.
Twistor theory has become a diverse subject as it has spread from its origins in theoretical physics to applications in pure mathematics. This 1990 collection of review articles covers the considerable progress made in a wide range of applications such as relativity, integrable systems, differential and integral geometry and representation theory. The articles explore the wealth of geometric ideas which provide the unifying themes in twistor theory, from Penrose's quasi-local mass construction in relativity, to the study of conformally invariant differential operators, using techniques of representation theory.
An authoritative exposition of the methods at the heart of modern non-stationary signal processing from a recognised leader in the field. Offering a global view that favours interpretations and historical perspectives, it explores the basic concepts of time-frequency analysis, and examines the most recent results and developments in the field in the context of existing, lesser-known approaches. Several example waveform families from bioacoustics, mathematics and physics are examined in detail, with the methods for their analysis explained using a wealth of illustrative examples. Methods are discussed in terms of analysis, geometry and statistics. This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to understand the 'why and how' of important methodological developments in time-frequency analysis, including academics and graduate students in signal processing and applied mathematics, as well as application-oriented scientists.
