A geometry of information, I: Nerves, posets and differential forms

The main theme of this workshop (Dagstuhl seminar 04351) is `Spatial Representation: Continuous vs. Discrete'. Spatial representation has two contrasting but interacting aspects (i) representation of spaces' and (ii) representation by spaces. In this paper, we will examine two aspects that are common to both interpretations of the theme, namely nerve constructions and refinement. Representations change, data changes, spaces change. We will examine the possibility of a `differential geometry' of spatial representations of both types, and in the sequel give an algebra of differential forms that has the potential to handle the dynamical aspect of such a geometry. We will discuss briefly a conjectured class of spaces, generalising the Cantor set which would seem ideal as a test-bed for the set of tools we are developing.Comment: 28 pages. A version of this paper appears also on the Dagstuhl seminar portal http://drops.dagstuhl.de/portals/04351

Supersymmetric D-branes on flux backgrounds

Several aspects concerning the physics of D-branes in Type II flux compactifications preserving minimal N=1 supersymmetry in four dimensions are considered. It is shown how these vacua are completely characterized in terms of properly defined generalized calibrations for D-branes and the relation with Generalized Complex Geometry is discussed. General expressions for superpotentials and D-terms associated with the N=1 four-dimensional description of space-time filling D-branes are presented. The massless spectrum of calibrated D-branes can be characterized in terms of cohomology groups of a differential complex canonically induced on the D-branes by the underlying generalized complex structure.Comment: 9 pages; contribution to the proceedings of the RTN project `Constituents, Fundamental Forces and Symmetries of the Universe' conference in Napoli, October 9 - 13, 2006; (v2) references adde

Geometric aspects of higher order variational principles on submanifolds

The geometry of jets of submanifolds is studied, with special interest in the relationship with the calculus of variations. A new intrinsic geometric formulation of the variational problem on jets of submanifolds is given. Working examples are provided.Comment: 17 page

On some aspects of the geometry of differential equations in physics

In this review paper, we consider three kinds of systems of differential equations, which are relevant in physics, control theory and other applications in engineering and applied mathematics; namely: Hamilton equations, singular differential equations, and partial differential equations in field theories. The geometric structures underlying these systems are presented and commented. The main results concerning these structures are stated and discussed, as well as their influence on the study of the differential equations with which they are related. Furthermore, research to be developed in these areas is also commented.Comment: 21 page