1
$\begingroup$

Let $D\subset X$ be a smooth divisor in a smooth complex variety. On $D$ we have the normal bundle $N$. Removing the zero section and retracting we get an $S^1$ bundle. Call this bundle $N'$. Now I'd like to understand the first homology of $N'$. We get from the Serre spectral sequence $$H_i(D,H_j(S^1,\mathbb{C}))\Rightarrow H_{i+j}(N',\mathbb{C}).$$ On this $E_2$ page, we get a map $E^2_{2,0}=H_2(D,\mathbb{C})=\mathbb{C}\to E^2_{0,1} =H_0(D,\mathbb{C})$. I guess this map is taking the cap product with the Euler class of $N'$, i.e. the first Chern class of $N$, but I'm not sure about this. Is this correct?

It follows that if the Chern class is non-trivial, then $E^2_{0,1}=E^\infty_{0,1}=0$. Since clearly $E^2_{1,0}=E^\infty_{1,0}=H_1(D,\mathbb{C})$, we thus find that $$H_1(N',\mathbb{C})\cong H_1(D,\mathbb{C}).$$ Now I wonder if this isomorphism is realised by the natural map? I.e. is the map just the pushforward in homology induced by the projection?

I tried reading up on the construction of the Serre spectral sequence, but it doesn't really help me with understanding the map to be honest.

$\endgroup$
4
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Look up the Thom isomorphism. $\endgroup$ Aug 23, 2019 at 21:21
  • $\begingroup$ If $D$ is the origin in $\mathbb{A}^1$, $N'$ is $S^1$ and you seem to be implying $H_1(S^1,\mathbb{C})=H_1(\mathrm{pt},\mathbb{C})$...? $\endgroup$ Aug 24, 2019 at 15:28
  • $\begingroup$ @MattiaTalpo in this case the first chern class is trivial, and hence the argument does not apply. In fact, the spectral sequence correctly gives the cohomolgy of $S^1$ $\endgroup$ Aug 24, 2019 at 15:35
  • $\begingroup$ Ok, sorry, I had missed that bit of text... $\endgroup$ Aug 24, 2019 at 15:42

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

The answer to both your questions is yes - this differential is cap with the Euler class, and the isomorphism is induced by the projection. The first is in any good reference on the homological Gysin sequence, e.g. Spanier's "Algebraic Topology" text, Chapter 5, Section 7 (Theorem 11 and Formulas 15).

This already gives that the projection is an isomorphism on $H_1$ when the Euler class is non-trivial. That the projection agrees with the edge homomorphism in the Leray spectral sequence is shown in many books which cover spectral sequences, e.g. Switzer's "Algebraic Topology: Homotopy and Homology", 15.29.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you for this answer. P.s, we don't need simply connected $D$ right? I think that $H_1(S^1)$ is always the trivial local system on $D$, since the monodromies are degree one maps induced from the transition functions of the normal bundle right? $\endgroup$ Aug 29, 2019 at 21:01
  • $\begingroup$ @user2520938: That's right. The way I think of it is that the normal bundle is a complex line bundle, so the underlying rank 2 real bundle is orientable, and so is it's sphere bundle. $\endgroup$
    – Mark Grant
    Aug 30, 2019 at 7:07

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.