Questions tagged [fundamental-group]
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268 questions
66
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4
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Is $\mathbb{R}^3 \setminus \mathbb{Q}^3$ simply connected?
Similarly is the complement of any countable set in $\mathbb R^3$ simply connected?
Reading around I found plenty of articles discussing the path connectedness $\mathbb R^2 \setminus \mathbb Q^2$ and ...
7
votes
1
answer
362
views
Does there exist an algebraic space with large fundamental group but no finite etale covers by schemes
Does there exits a smooth proper algebraic space $X$ over $\mathbb C$ with "large" fundamental group such that no finite etale cover of $X$ is a scheme?
By "large" fundamental group I mean that $X$ ...
14
votes
2
answers
951
views
Relationship between étale and topological $K(\pi,1)$s
I was trying to find a proof, or a counterexample to the claim that if $X/\mathbb{C}$ is connected smooth projective, then $X$ is a $K(\pi^{\mathrm{\acute{e}t}},1)$ if and only if $X^\mathrm{an}$ is a ...
1
vote
1
answer
278
views
Trying to relate the fundamental groupoid to vector bundles
Fix a topological space $X$. Now consider a functor from the fundamental groupoid of $X$ to the category $Vect$. In other words, we assign a vector space to each point of $X$, we allow ourselves to ...
23
votes
3
answers
2k
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How bad can $\pi_1$ of a linear group orbit be?
Let $G$ be a simply connected Lie group and $\mathcal O= G(v)=G/G_v$ a $G$-orbit in some finite-dimensional $G$-module $V$. By the homotopy exact sequence, its fundamental group $\Gamma$ is the ...
4
votes
1
answer
449
views
Etale Fundamental group of an algebraic group
I want to calculate the algebraic fundamental group of a an algebraic group over a riemann surface over $\mathbb C$ (or a smooth algebraic projective curve). Let me state the first case where $\...
2
votes
0
answers
317
views
A homomorphism in the long exact sequence of a fibration for a homogeneous space of a Lie group
Let $G$ be a connected Lie group, and let $H\subset G$ be a (closed) Lie subgroup, not necessarily connected. Set $X=G/H$.
The fibration $j\colon G\to X$ with fiber $H$ induces an exact sequence
$$
\...
4
votes
0
answers
216
views
How do we see the rank of the braid group?
The only presentation of the braid group that most people ever see is the standard Artin presentation
$$B_n=\langle σ_1,\cdots,σ_{n−1}|\ σ_iσ_j=σ_jσ_i\ \ (|i−j|>1),\ σ_iσ_{i+1}σ_i=σ_{i+1}σ_i σ_{i+...
27
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Nonabelian topological fundamental group of a conjugate variety
Let $X$ be a pointed algebraic variety over the field of complex numbers $\mathbb{C}$.
Let $\pi_1^{\rm top}(X)$ and $\pi_1^{\mathrm{\acute{e}t}}(X)$ denote the topological and the étale fundamental ...
0
votes
1
answer
205
views
Double coset separability and the existence of vanishing sequences for surface group
Definition: Let $G$ be a group. $G$ is said to be double coset separable if given any finitely generated subgroups $H$ and $K$ in $G$, given any $g\in G$ and $h\not\in HgK$, there exists a finite ...
8
votes
0
answers
220
views
Does the fundamental group identify group structure on subvarieties of products of curves?
Let $C_1,\dots, C_n$ be smooth curves over $\overline{\mathbb F}_p$, not necessarily proper. Let $X$ be a subvariety of $C_1 \times \dots \times C_n$. I'm interested in the natural map:
$$ \pi_1^{ab}(...
4
votes
1
answer
573
views
A lower-dimensional algebraic topology problem between homology group and fundamental group
Let
\begin{equation}
A\stackrel{\alpha}{\longrightarrow}B\stackrel{\beta}{\longrightarrow}C\quad\quad (1)
\end{equation}
be a short sequence of (abelian or nonabelian) groups and homomorphisms. We say ...
33
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Is there a manifold with fundamental group $\mathbb{Q}$?
It is known that the fundamental group of a locally path connected, path connected compact metric space is finitely presented or uncountable. Furthermore the fundamental group of every manifold is ...
8
votes
2
answers
615
views
Are profinite groups of cardinality $|\mathbb{R}|$ determined by their finite quotients?
Question: Let $G,H$ be profinite groups of cardinality $|\mathbb{R}|$, with the same finite quotients (here I only consider quotients by normal, open subgroups). Then are $G$ and $H$ isomorphic?
...
20
votes
0
answers
2k
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Etale fundamental group of a curve in characteristic $p$
Let $C$ be a connected, smooth, proper curve of genus $g$ over an algebraically closed field $k$ of characteristic $p>0$. Let $\pi_1(C)$ be the etale fundamental group of $C$ - I only care about ...
3
votes
1
answer
294
views
Is the fundamental group of an open arithmetic Riemann surface contained in $\Gamma(2)$
Let $X$ be a non-compact Riemann surface with universal covering $\mathbb H$ and suppose that the fundamental group of $X$ is an arithmetic subgroup of $\mathrm{Aut}(\mathbb H) = \mathrm{PSL}_2(\...
27
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Teaching the fundamental group via everyday examples
This question is a "prequel" to a similar question about homology. Both questions were inspired by seeing a talk, by Tadashi Tokieda, about the interesting physics that appears in toys.
What ...
1
vote
1
answer
422
views
Algebraic topology, Dynamical systems [closed]
Let $T^2$ be a 2-torus and $f:T^2\rightarrow T^2$ a smooth map. Let $f_*:\pi_1(T^2)\rightarrow\pi_1(T^2)$ be the induced map on the fundamental group $\pi_1$. If $f_*$ has no eigenvalue greater than 1,...
1
vote
0
answers
176
views
which sections of elliptic curves are conjugate?
Suppose you have a relative elliptic curves $f : E\rightarrow S$ (say $S$ is connected). Then suppose you have two sections $g,g' : S\rightarrow E$, corresponding to two sections $g_*,g'_*$ to the map ...
5
votes
0
answers
199
views
Algebraic fundamental group without regularity at infinity
Suppose $X$ is a smooth (connected) variety over $\mathbb{C}$. Let $\mathscr{C}$ be the category of finite rank vector bundles on $X$ equipped with an integrable connection, and let $\mathscr{C}'$ be ...
2
votes
0
answers
880
views
Question about the specialization map for Etale Fundamental Groups
Let $A$ be a complete, discrete valuation ring, and let $s$ (resp $\eta$) be the special (resp. generic) point of $S=Spec(A)$. Let $\phi:X \rightarrow S$ be a proper morphism and fix geometric base ...
2
votes
3
answers
651
views
question about the induced homomorphism of etale fundamental groups
Background/Setup
For any connected scheme $S$, let $\text{FEt}_S$ denote the category of finite etale $S$-schemes. Let $f : X\rightarrow Y$ be a morphism of connected schemes, then for any finite ...
27
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Why are we interested in the Fundamental Groupoid of a Space?
The classical version of the van Kampen theorem is concerned about the fundamental group of a based space. In fact, it says that the functor $\pi_1$ preserves certain types of pushouts in $Top_*$.
...
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Question about the fundamental group of rational homology 3-spheres
By a rational homology 3-sphere, I mean a compact oriented manifold three-manifold $Y$ with $H_1(Y)$ finite. My question is whether there exists a reasonable classification of such manifolds such that ...
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
On the fundamental group of closed 3-manifolds
I know that every finitely presented group can be realized as the fundamental group of a compact, connected, smooth manifold of dimension 4 (or higher). In dimension 2 there are strong restriction on ...
4
votes
2
answers
583
views
a question on rank of fundamental group
Assume $G$ be the fundamental group of a closed orientable hyperbolic 3-manifold. Let
$G_{1} = \langle a_{1},...,a_{k} \rangle$ be a free subgroup of $G$, and let $G_{2}=\langle a_{k+1} \rangle$ be a ...
4
votes
1
answer
264
views
Isomorphism étale fundamental group
Given a birational proper morphism $f\colon X \rightarrow Y$
( Assume $X$ and $Y$ irreducible )
of complex algebraic varieties.
It is always true that $f^* \colon \pi^{et}_1 (X)\rightarrow \pi^{et}_1(...
6
votes
2
answers
595
views
Fundamental group of a manifold with an $S^1$-action
Let $M$ be a compact connected manifold with an $S^1$-action. Suppose that $S^1$ has a fixed point in $M$. Is it true that $\pi_1(M)=\pi_1(M/S^1)$?
I is there some reference or a short proof of this ...
4
votes
0
answers
517
views
Exact sequence of the fundamental group of the general fiber
Let $f\colon X\rightarrow Y$ be a morphism of complex algebraic varieties.
Let $y\in Y$ be a general point, then we have a sequence of homomorphisms
of fundamental groups induced by the inclusion of ...
1
vote
0
answers
136
views
algebraic varieties whose fundamental group is subgroup separable wrt subvariety subgroups
Call an algebraic variety $\pi_1$-subgroup separable iff,
for every $Y\subseteq X$ a closed subvariety and $\hat Y\xrightarrow{i} Y$ a normalisation of $Y$,
and subgroup $\Gamma=Im(\pi_1(\hat Y,y)\...
4
votes
0
answers
152
views
local systems with cyclic monodromy
In their book "Lectures on vanishing theorems", Esnault and Viehweg used finite cyclic covering of varieties constructed as follows:
Let $X$ be a smooth projective variety over some field $k$ of ...
2
votes
1
answer
368
views
fundamental group and torus action
Let $T$ be the complex torus acting on a complex connected algebraic variety $X$
and let $p \colon X\rightarrow Y$ be a good quotient for this action.
For any $y\in Y$ we have a sequence $p^{-1}(y) \...
1
vote
1
answer
1k
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Computing the fundamental group of a flag variety
Let $G$ be a compact and connected and simply connected Lie group and $\mathfrak{g}$ be its Lie algebra and $x\in\mathfrak{g}^*$. How can we compute the fundamental group of $G/G_x$ where $G_x$ is ...
20
votes
0
answers
617
views
On a homological finiteness condition
Assumption: $X$ is a connected CW complex, and $H_{\ast}(X;\mathbb{Z})=\bigoplus_{n \geq 0} H_n (X; \mathbb{Z})$ is finitely generated.
Question: does there exist a finite CW complex $Y$ and a map $f:...
1
vote
1
answer
379
views
Finding the 2nd homotopy group $\pi_2(G^\mathbb{C}/P)$
Let $G$ be a compact connected and simply connected Lie group and $G^\mathbb{C}$ be the complexification of Lie group (with is diffeomorphic with $G^\mathbb{C}\cong T^*G$) then I am looking for ...
1
vote
1
answer
151
views
A formula for isotropy group $\pi_1(G_a)$
Let $G$ be a compact Lie group and $T$ be its maximal tours, and $a\in \mathfrak{g}^*$. and $G_a$ be the isotropy group of $G$ then $T\subset G_a$ and we know that $\pi_1(T)=\mathbb{Z}^n$. My ...
5
votes
0
answers
287
views
Nori fundamental group and etale fundamental group in positive characteristic
Let $X$ be a smooth projective surface over an algebraically closed field of char $p > 0$. Suppose that $\pi_{1}^{et}(X) = \{1\}$. Can Nori fundamental group scheme of $X$ be non-trivial?
13
votes
0
answers
863
views
About maps inducing bijections on homotopy classes
Let us assume that $f:X \to Y$ is a map of connected CW complexes, having the following property: if $K$ is a finite CW complex, then the induced map $f_{\ast}:[K,X] \to [K,Y]$ on \emph{free} homotopy ...
1
vote
1
answer
436
views
Find a simple closed curve in $S$ which represents a commutator in $\pi_1 S$
I am interested in the following problem : decide if a certain element of the fundamental group can be represented by a simple closed curve. The general case has already been asked and answered on MO (...
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Computing fundamental groups of the complement of plane curves
This paper of Zariski contains this statement: If $C$ is a curve in $\mathbb{CP}^2$, and $L$ is a generic line, then the injection $L\setminus C \hookrightarrow \mathbb{CP}^2\setminus C$ induces an ...
3
votes
2
answers
2k
views
homotopy exact sequence for the étale fundamental group
I have been trying to understand the homotopy exact sequence for the étale fundamental group which says
$$ 1 \rightarrow \pi_1 (\bar{X},\bar{x_0})\rightarrow \pi_1 (X,x_0)\rightarrow Gal(k)\...
9
votes
1
answer
627
views
Do all varieties have only finitely many etale covers of fixed degree
I've been wondering about the following "finiteness statement" concerning etale covers for a while.
Let $K$ be a field of characteristic zero, not necessarily algebraically closed. A variety over $K$ ...
8
votes
1
answer
573
views
Do elements of the fundamental group give rise to isometries
Let $X$ be a complex algebraic variety, and let $\tilde X\to X$ be its universal cover. Suppose that there exists a Kahler-Einstein metric on $\tilde X$. Note that $\pi_1(X) \subset Aut(\tilde X)$.
...
8
votes
3
answers
943
views
Smooth projective varieties with infinite abelian fundamental group and finite $\pi_2$
Let $X$ be a smooth projective complex algebraic variety of general type. Suppose that the (topological) fundamental group of $X$ is an infinite abelian group and that $\pi_2(X^{an})$ is finite.
What ...
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
The fundamental group of a $3$-manifold with a boundary of genus $>0$
Let $M$ be an orientable $3$-manifold with connected boundary $\Sigma_g$, a surface of genus $g>0$.
I would like to find a reference to the following two statements.
1) $\pi_1(M)\ne 0$.
2) $\...
1
vote
1
answer
307
views
The fundamental group of an $S^1$-quotient
Let $M$ be a compact manifold with an $\mathbb S^1$-action that fixes a point on $M$.
Is it correct that $\pi_1(M/S^1)=\pi_1(M)$?
I believe this is correct and is a corollary of some well-known ...
4
votes
1
answer
369
views
Structure of fundamental groups arising from smooth projective morphisms
Let $f:X\to B$ be a smooth projective morphism of complex algebraic varieties.
If $f$ is of relative dimension zero, i.e., $f$ is a finite etale cover, then the image of the topological fundamental ...
7
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Algebraic numbers and the complex projective line minus three points
Deligne's monograph “Le Groupe Fondamental de la Droite Projective Moins Trois Points” begins by remarking that when X is the projective line over the complex numbers, minus three points: "every ...
16
votes
2
answers
3k
views
The fundamental group of a closed surface without classification of surfaces?
The fundamental group of a closed oriented surface of genus $g$ has the well-known presentation
$$
\langle x_1,\ldots, x_g,y_1,\ldots ,y_g\vert \prod_{i=1}^{g} [x_i,y_i]\rangle.
$$
The proof I know ...
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Fundamental group of an hyperbolic $4$-manifold
Good afternoon everyone,
I have a very general question about hyperbolic manifolds and their fundamental groups in high dimension (at least $4$). If the theory of surfaces and $3$-manifolds provide ...