Test Configurations for K-Stability and Geodesic Rays

Let $X$ be a compact complex manifold, $L\to X$ an ample line bundle over $X$, and ${\cal H}$ the space of all positively curved metrics on $L$. We show that a pair $(h_0,T)$ consisting of a point $h_0\in {\cal H}$ and a test configuration $T=({\cal L}\to {\cal X}\to {\bf C})$, canonically determines a weak geodesic ray $R(h_0,T)$ in ${\cal H}$ which emanates from $h_0$. Thus a test configuration behaves like a vector field on the space of K\"ahler potentials ${\cal H}$. We prove that $R$ is non-trivial if the ${\bf C}^\times$ action on $X_0$, the central fiber of $\cal X$, is non-trivial. The ray $R$ is obtained as limit of smooth geodesic rays $R_k\subset{\cal H}_k$, where ${\cal H}_k\subset{\cal H}$ is the subspace of Bergman metrics.Comment: 27 pages, no figure; references added; typos correcte

Regularity of geodesic rays and Monge-Ampere equations

It is shown that the geodesic rays constructed as limits of Bergman geodesics from a test configuration are always of class $C^{1,\alpha}, 0<\alpha<1$. An essential step is to establish that the rays can be extended as solutions of a Dirichlet problem for a Monge-Ampere equation on a Kaehler manifold which is compact

Partial Legendre transforms of non-linear equations

The partial Legendre transform of a non-linear elliptic differential equation is shown to be another non-linear elliptic differential equation. In particular, the partial Legendre transform of the Monge-Amp\`ere equation is another equation of Monge-Amp\`ere type. In 1+1 dimensions, this can be applied to obtain uniform estimates to all orders for the degenerate Monge-Amp\`ere equation with boundary data satisfying a strict convexity condition.Comment: 12 pages, no figur

Algebraic estimates, stability of local zeta functions, and uniform estimates for distribution functions

A method of ``algebraic estimates'' is developed, and used to study the stability properties of integrals of the form \int_B|f(z)|^{-\d}dV, under small deformations of the function f. The estimates are described in terms of a stratification of the space of functions \{R(z)=|P(z)|^{\e}/|Q(z)|^{\d}\} by algebraic varieties, on each of which the size of the integral of R(z) is given by an explicit algebraic expression. The method gives an independent proof of a result on stability of Tian in 2 dimensions, as well as a partial extension of this result to 3 dimensions. In arbitrary dimensions, combined with a key lemma of Siu, it establishes the continuity of the mapping c\ra \int_B|f(z,c)|^{-\d}dV_1\cdots dV_n when f(z,c) is a holomorphic function of (z,c). In particular the leading pole is semicontinuous in f, strengthening also an earlier result of Lichtin.Comment: 53 pages, published versio

The Dirichlet problem for degenerate complex Monge-Ampere equations

The Dirichlet problem for a Monge-Ampere equation corresponding to a nonnegative, possible degenerate cohomology class on a Kaehler manifold with boundary is studied. C^{1,\alpha} estimates away from a divisor are obtained, by combining techniques of Blocki, Tsuji, Yau, and pluripotential theory. In particular, C^{1,\alpha} geodesic rays in the space of Kaehler potentials are constructed for each test configuratio

On stability and the convergence of the K\"ahler-Ricci flow

Assuming uniform bounds for the curvature, the exponential convergence of the K\"ahler-Ricci flow is established under two conditions which are a form of stability: the Mabuchi energy is bounded from below, and the dimension of the space of holomorphic vector fields in an orbit of the diffeomorphism group cannot jump up in the limit.Comment: 18 pages, no figur

Lectures on Two-Loop Superstrings

In these lectures, recent progress on multiloop superstring perturbation theory is reviewed. A construction from first principles is given for an unambiguous and slice-independent two-loop superstring measure on moduli space for even spin structure. A consistent choice of moduli, invariant under local worldsheet supersymmetry is made in terms of the super-period matrix. A variety of subtle new contributions arising from a careful gauge fixing procedure are taken into account. The superstring measure is computed explicitly in terms of genus two theta-functions and reveals the importance of a new modular object of weight 6. For given even spin structure, the measure exhibits a behavior under degenerations of the worldsheet that is consistent with physical principles. The measure allows for a unique modular covariant GSO projection. Under this GSO projection, the cosmological constant, the 1-, 2- and 3- point functions of massless supergravitons vanish pointwise on moduli space. A certain disconnected part of the 4-point function is shown to be given by a convergent integral on moduli space. A general consistent formula is given for the two-loop cosmological constant in compactifications with central charge c=15 and with N=1 worldsheet supersymmetry. Finally, some comments are made on possible extensions of this work to higher loop order.Comment: 37 pages, 3 figures, Lectures delivered at Hangzhou and Beijing 200

On Pointwise Gradient Estimates for the Complex Monge-Ampere Equation

In this note, a gradient estimate for the complex Monge-Ampere equation is established. It differs from previous estimates of Yau, Hanani, Blocki, P. Guan, B. Guan - Q. Li in that it is pointwise, and depends only on the infimum of the solution instead of its $C^0$ norm

Lectures on Stability and Constant Scalar Curvature

An introduction is provided to some current research trends in stability in geometric invariant theory and the problem of Kaehler metrics of constant scalar curvature. Besides classical notions such as Chow-Mumford stability, the emphasis is on several new stability conditions, such as K-stability, Donaldson's infinite-dimensional GIT, and conditions on the closure of orbits of almost-complex structures under the diffeomorphism group. Related analytic methods are also discussed, including estimates for energy functionals, Tian-Yau-Zelditch approximations, estimates for moment maps, complex Monge-Ampere equations and pluripotential theory, and the Kaehler-Ricci flowComment: 85 pages, minor corrections adde

Seiberg-Witten Theory and Integrable Systems

We summarize recent results on the resolution of two intimately related problems, one physical, the other mathematical. The first deals with the resolution of the non-perturbative low energy dynamics of certain N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. We concentrate on the theories with one massive hypermultiplet in the adjoint representation of an arbitrary gauge algebra G. The second deals with the construction of Lax pairs with spectral parameter for certain classical mechanics Calogero-Moser integrable systems associated with an arbitrary Lie algebra G. We review the solution to both of these problems as well as their interrelation.Comment: 30 pages, Based on Lectures delivered at Edinburgh and Kyot