Current Seminars
updated 2/5/ 2003

Seminar Coordinators
Seminars with home pages


 
 
FEBRUARY 5 - 7, 2003
   
Ergodic Theory and Statistical Analysis Seminar  ***  Please note change in time and location
Topic: Amenable groups, symbolic dynamical systems, formal languages and their entropy
Presenter:  Tullio G. Ceccherini-Silberstein, Universita del Sonnio
Date:  Thursday, February 6, 2003, Time: 3:30 p.m., Location: FINE HALL 601
Abstract: In this talk I would like to present some recent results on CELLULAR AUTOMATA (a Garden of Eden (=Moore-Myhill) type theorem for cellular automata over amenable groups) on SUBSHIFTS (of FINITE TYPE and SOFIC: entropic inequalities and relative GOE type theorems) and FORMAL LANGUAGES (growth sensitivity of REGULAR (new proof) and CONTEXT-FREE (new result) languages). The talk will be completely self-contained and accesible to a wide audience (including first-year graduate students).
   
Joint Princeton University/IAS/Rutgers University Non-linear Analysis Seminar
Topic: Asymptotic Stability of N-solitons of NLS
Presenter:  Igor Rodnianski, Princeton University
Date:  Thursday, February 6, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Joint Princeton University/IAS/Rutgers University Number Theory Seminar
Topic: Converse theorems and the Artin conjecture
Presenter:  Andrew Booker, Princeton University
Date:  Thursday, February 6, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Topology Seminar
Topic: Floer homology and knots
Presenter:  Jacob Rasmussen, Harvard University
Date:  Thursday, February 6, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
FEBRUARY 10 - 14, 2003
Analysis Seminar  *** CANCELLED ***
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Vitali Milman, University of Tel Aviv 
Date:  Monday, February 10, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
   
PACM Colloquium  *** Please note special time and location
Topic: A Virtual Representation for Multi-Antenna Wireless Channels
Presenter:  Akbar Sayeed, University of Wisconsin at Madison
Date:  Monday, February 10, 2003, Time: 12:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 224
Abstract:  The use of multiple-antenna arrays has emerged as a promising technology for dramatically increasing the information capacity and reliability of wireless communication systems. Accurate yet tractable channel modeling is critical to realizing the potential of antenna arrays. The underlying physical channel exhibits complex characteristics due to signal scattering over multiple paths, each path associated with a propagation delay, a Doppler shift (due to motion), directional angles, and a complex path gain. Current modeling philosophies are exemplified by two extremes: idealized but unrealistic statistical models and detailed physical (ray tracing) models that directly capture the multipath propagation but are difficult to incorporate in system design. The key premise of our work is that it is not the physical channel by itself but a fundamental understanding of its interaction with the signal space that is critical from a communication theoretic viewpoint. I will present a four-dimensional Karhunen-Loeve-like virtual representation for space-time channels that captures the essence of such interaction in time, frequency and space and exposes the intrinsic degrees of freedom in the channel. The virtual representation is essentially a Fourier series dictated by the finite array apertures, signaling duration and bandwidth and corresponds to a uniform, fixed sampling of the angle-delay-Doppler scattering space. It yields a simple geometric interpretation of the effects of scattering on channel statistics and capacity. The talk will discuss various insights into the structure of space-time channels afforded by the virtual representation as well its applications in capacity assessment, space-time code design, and wireless networks. 
 
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: A Conjectural Description of the Nef Divisors on the Moduli Space of Curves
Presenter:  Angela Gibney, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Date:  Tuesday, February 11, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Abstract: The moduli space $\overline{M}_{g,n}$ of stable, n-pointed curves of genus g is an important object of study in many areas of mathematics. This is largely because many questions about curves can be translated into questions about the birational geometry of the moduli space. One very effective way to learn about the birational geometry of a variety is to study its nef divisors. A divisor in the moduli space of curves is conjecturally nef if and only if it nonnegatively intersects a class of smooth, rational curves called F-curves. I will describe the F-curves and explain why they are thought to specify all effective curves on \overline{M}_{g,n}. I will also mention the surprising fact that if the conjecture is true for \M_{0,g+n} then it is true for \overline{M}_{g,n} as well as the current state of knowledge about the conjecture including new numerical criteria that guarantee that a divisor is nef.
   
Department Colloquium
Topic: Quasi-periodic localization and related
Presenter:  Jean Bourgain,  Institute for Advanced Study
Date:  Wednesday, February 12, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: This is a survey of recent work on quasi-periodic localization .We discuss progress on classical issues such as behaviour of the spectrum and eigenfunctions of lattice Schrodinger operators with qp potential using subharmonic function and semi-algebraic set theory.Also applications to linear Schrodinger equations with time dependent potential and KAM theory for nonlinear Hamiltonian PDE's.
Ergodic Theory and Statistical Analysis Seminar  
Topic: A Walk Inside the Square: Elementary Properties of the GP Process
Presenter:  Seth Patinkin
Date:  Thursday, February 13, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract:

Let R > 0 and a sequence of N variables: $m_1, m_2, \ldots, m_N$ taking values in [-2R,2R] be given. We would like to study the motion of a particle inside the square $\Omega$ = [0,R]2, in particular, to study alternating horizontal-vertical motion emanating from a point $P_0$ belonging to $\Omega$. So we perform sequential translations in alternating horizontal and vertical sense according to the elements of our given sequence. At each of the N stages of motion, there are three possibilities:

1.      the translation ends in a point inside $\Omega$ (“no bounce”);

2.      the translation ends in a point on the boundary of $\Omega$ (“kiss”);

3.      the translation ends in a point exterior to $\Omega$ (“bounce”).

Naturally, in the “bounce” case, the motion of the particle is deflected off the boundary back into the interior of $\Omega$. At the end of each stage of motion, the particle then turns to the right with respect to the last direction followed. It is easy to see that the collection of initial points $P_k$ that result in a trajectory for which at least one stage of motion achieves a “kiss” forms a rectilinear partition of $\Omega$, which we shall refer to as $\Pi$. The rectangles constituting $\Pi$ we shall refer to as the cells of $\Pi$. Inherent to this construction are three kinds of phase transition:

1.      spatial phase transition: in this case, the displacement map $\Gamma$ which maps the initial phase space point $P_0$ to the end of the trajectory followed therefrom, varies discontinuously on segments connecting the interiors of adjacent cells;

2.      temporal phase transition: here, as the sequence $m_1, m_2, \ldots, m_N$ changes continuously beyond critical perturbation levels $\epsilon_j$, small supercritical perturbation results in a discontinuous change of $\Pi$;

3.      asymptotic phase transition: here, we consider the case that $N \rightarrow \infty$ and $R \rightarrow \infty$. Then we consider $D_h$ and $D_v$ to be the horizontal and vertical line densities in $\Pi(N,R)$. Supercritical perturbations of relative growth thresholds result in a positive value for $D_h$ and $D_v$, while subcritical perturbations result in a zero value for $D_h$ and $D_v$.

We will examine some special cases for the values of the motion variables, in particular, the taking of finite number of values and the resulting distribution of “kiss” points in $\Omega$. It is clear that all “kiss” lines are situated at distances of the form: linear combination of the motion variables. The coefficients of these linear combinations taken collectively over $\Omega$ forms a “coefficient space” whose size varies directly with the rational dependence of the motion variables and N. Similarly, is easy to see there is a relation between $D_h, D_v$ and the rational dependence of the motion variables. Finally, we will examine expected value of the displacement map $\Gamma$ and a formula for the fiber of a boundary point $P_b$ of $\Omega$.

Joint Princeton University/IAS/Rutgers University Number Theory Seminar
Topic: Integral points on algebraic curves and surfaces
Presenter:  Umberto Zannier, Milan
Date:  Thursday, February 13, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: IAS SH-101
Abstract: We shall describe a few recent results concerning integral points on surfaces. Under certain assumptions we prove that their set is not Zariski-dense, and even finite. We shall also give an application to quadratic-integral points on curves.
Topology Seminar
Topic: 2-dimensional combinatorial Ricci flow
Presenter:  Feng Luo, Rutgers University
Date:  Thursday, February 13, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: We show that the analog of Hamilton's Ricci flow in the combinatorial setting produces solutions which converge exponentially fast to Thurston's circle packing on surfaces. As a consequence, a new proof of Thurston's existence of circle packing theorem is obtained. As another consequence, Ricci flow suggests a new algorithm to find circle packings. This is a joint work with Ben Chow.
PACM Colloquium  *** Distinguished Lecture Series ***
Topic: Moderate Discrete Mathematics: Methods, Applications and Challenges
Presenter:  Noga Alon, School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Tel Aviv University
Date:  Thursday, February 13, 2003, Time: 8:00 p.m., Location: A02 McDonnell Hall
Abstract: Combinatorics is a fundamental mathematical discipline as well as an essential component of many applied mathematical areas, and its study has experienced an impressive growth in recent years. I will discuss two of the main general techniques that played a crucial role in the development of modern Discrete Mathematics; algebraic tools and probabilistic methods. Both techniques will be illustrated by examples, where the emphasis is on the basic ideas and on applications to other areas including Information Theory and Computer Science.  A Reception will following in Brush Gallery.
FEBRUARY 17 - 21, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: String method for the study of Rare events
Presenter:  Weiqing Ren, Institute for Advanced Study
Date:  Monday, February 17, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: Many problems in physics, material sciences, chemistry and biology can be abstractly formulated as a system that navigates over a complex energy landscape of high or infinite dimensions. Well-known examples include pahse transitions of condensed matter, conformational changes of biopolymers, and chemical reactions. The state of these systems is confined for long periods of time in metastable regions in configuration space and only rarely switches from one region to another. The separation of time scale is a consequence of the disparity between the effective thermal energy and typical energy barrier in these systems, and their dynamics effectively reduce to a Markov chain on the metastable regions. The analysis and computation of the transition pathways and rates between the metastable states represent the major challenges, especially when the energy landscape exhibits multiscale features. I will present the string method that has proven to be effective for some truly complex systems in material science and chemistry.  This is a joint work with Weinan E and Eric Vanden-Eijnden.
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: Moduli spaces of surfaces (mostly elliptic) via stable fibred surfaces
Presenter:  Gabriele LaNave, New York University
Date:  Tuesday, February 18, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Abstract: We propose a procedure to find a combinatorial description of the boundary of the moduli space of Koll\'ar--Shepherd-Barron/ Alexeev stable surfaces and at the same time to compare these with the moduli spaces of Abramovich-Vistoli fibred surfaces. We will describe in details the case of elliptic surfaces with sections, where the procedure provides us with a complete answer.
Department Colloquium
Topic: Arnold's Diffusion
Presenter:  John Mather, Princeton University
Date:  Wednesday, February 19, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: For a small perturbation of an integrable convex Hamiltonian system in two and a half or three degrees of freedom, there exist orbits that that wander over most of phase space.  In this talk, I will provide a precise statement of this result and provide a very brief indication of the methods of proof.  I will also briefly discuss related results.
Ergodic Theory and Statistical Analysis Seminar  
Topic: Quasi periodic solutions of non-linear random Schrodinger equation I
Presenter:  Wei-Min Wang, Institute for Advanced Study
Date:  Thursday, February 20, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: We start the construction toward time quasi periodic solutions of discrete non-linear random Schrodinger equation using a Newton scheme.  Compared with other more extensively studied non-linear Schrodinger, the main new difficulty is the concurrence of small-divisors from the original linear operator and that from the non-linearity.  In this talk, I will give an overview of the problem and emphasize the treatment of the p-equations after each linearization. This is joint work with J. Bourgain.
Special Geometric Analysis Seminar  *** Note special date
Topic: Harnack estimates of Li-Yau-Hamilton type for the Ricci flow
Presenter:  Ben Chow, UC San Diego
Date:  Thursday, February 20, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: We will survey some works on differential Harnack type estimates for the Ricci flow. Starting from the work of Li-Yau on the heat equation, Hamilton's matrix estimate for the Ricci flow, the geometric space-time approach (joint with Sun-Chin Chu), a generalization (joint with Dan Knopf), and its recent extension due to Bing Cheng.
Joint Princeton University/IAS/Rutgers University Number Theory Seminar
Topic: Modular symbols have a normal distribution
Presenter:  Yiannis Petridis, CUNY
Date:  Thursday, February 20, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Topology Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Adam Sikora, Institute for Advanced Study
Date:  Thursday, February 20, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: Geometric Paneitz-Branson operator: concentration phenomena and fourth order pde's
Presenter:  Frederic Robert, ETH
Date:  Friday, February 21, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
FEBRUARY 24 - 28, 2003
Analysis Seminar  
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Jim Colliander, University of Toronto
Date:  Monday, February 24, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
PACM Colloquium
Topic:

Numerical experiments on the interaction between the large- and small-scale motion of the Navier-Stokes Equations

Presenter:  Heinz Kreiss, University of California, Los Angeles
Date:  Monday, February 24, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: The problem we want to discuss is motivated by weather prediction. To start a numerical forcast one needs initial data which must be provided by observations. Unfortunately, the observational net is too sparse to determine the small-scale of the initial data. We ask the following question: Using the time history of the large-scale data, can one reconstruct the small-scale of the data?  As a model problem, we consider solutions to the unforced incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in a $2\pi$-periodic box. We split the solution into two parts representing the large-scale and small-scale motions. We define the large-scale as the sum of the first $k_c$ Fourier modes in each direction, and the small-scale as the sum of the remaining modes. We attempt to reconstruct the small-scale by incorporating the large-scale solution as known forcing into the equations governing the evolution of the small-scale. We want to find the smallest value of $k_c$ for which the time evolution of the large-scale sets up the dissipative structures so that the small-scale is determined to a significant degree. Existing theory based on energy estimates gives a pessimistic estimate for $k_c$ that is inversely proportional to the smallest length-scale of the flow. At this value of $k_c$ the energy in the small-scale is exponentially small. In contrast, numerical calculations indicate that $k_c$ can often be chosen remarkably small. We attempt to explain why the time evolution of a relatively few number of large-scale modes can be used to reconstruct the small-scale modes in many situations. We also show that similar behavior is found in solutions to Burgers' equation.
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: Cohomology of local systems on M_2 and A_2
Presenter:  Carel Faber, Royal Institute of Stockholm
Date:  Tuesday, February 25, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
   
Ergodic Theory and Statistical Analysis Seminar  
Topic: On Newhouse phenomenon
Presenter:  Vadim Kaloshin, Institute for Advanced Study
Date:  Thursday, February 27, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract Consider the space of $C^r$ diffeomorphisms (smooth invertible selfmaps) of a compact surface $M$ (e.g. $S^2$ or $T^2$) Diff$^r(M)$ with $r\geq 2$.  A sink of $f:M \to M$ is a periodic point $x \in M$ which attract all points from its neighbourhood (as in your kitchen). Points attracted to $x$ called basin of attraction of $x$. In 60-th Thom conjectured that a generic diffeomorphism can not have infinitely many coexisting sinks. Indeed, each sink has an open basin of attraction and infinitely many of those seems too much. In 70-th Newhouse constructed an open set of diffeomophisms $N \subset \textup{Diff}^r(M)$ such that generic diffeomorphism in $N$ does have infinitely many coexisting sinks.  It is an amazing phenomenon, called Newhouse phenomenon. It disproves Thom's conjecture and significant obstacle to discribe ergodic properties of surface diffeomorphisms. We shall discuss this phenomenon and show a sufficiently general result that indicates in some sense this phenomenon has "probability zero". This is a particular case of so-called Palis conjecture.
Joint Princeton University/IAS/Rutgers University Number Theory Seminar
Topic: Classical versus quantum fluctuations for the modular surface
Presenter:  Peter Sarnak, Princeton University and New York University
Date:  Thursday, February 27, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: Rutgers (room TBA)
Topology Seminar
Topic: Algebraic K-theory of poly-(finite or cyclic) groups
Presenter:  Frank Quinn, VPISU and Princeton University
Date:  Thursday, February 27, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: Controlled algebraic K-theory is used to relate ordinary K-theory and various exotic homology groups. We formulate the "infinite hyperelementary induction conjecture" refining the isomorphism conjecture of Farrell-Jones, and show the conjecture is true for poly-(finite or cyclic) groups.
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: Singular Perturbation for the first eigenfunction on Riemannian manifolds
Presenter:  David Holcman, UC San Francisco
Date:  Friday, February 28, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: Recently, we developed an approach to study the concentration of the first eigenfunction of a second order postive operator on Riemannian Compact manifolds. The set of limit measures will be described and can be characterized explicitly. In particular in some cases, the first eigenfunction sequence concentrates along manifolds of dimension k. Explicit formula can be given for the restriction of the invariant measure to the invariant manifold, which satisfies some transport equation. In this presentation, some previous results about singular perturbation for PDE with critical exponent and gradient vector field on compact manifolds will be recalled. The rest of the talk concerns the linear case. Joint work with I. Kupka (Paris VI).
MARCH 3 - 7, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Luminata Vese, University of California, Los Angeles
Date:  Monday, March 3, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: Volume of the Space of Real Cubic Surfaces
Presenter:  James Carlson, University of Utah
Date:  Tuesday, March 4, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Abstract:

We show that the moduli space of real cubic surfaces has, in a natural way, the structure of real hyperbolic orbifold of dimension four. We discuss the structure of this space, its fundamental group, and we compute its exact hyperbolic volume. As a result we can, for instance, show that real cubics with twenty-seven real lines comprise less than two percent of the full space.

Joint Princeton University/IAS/Rutgers University Number Theory Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Jean Bourgain, Institute for Advanced Study
Date:  Thursday, March 6, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: IAS SH-101
Topology Seminar
Topic: Legendrian knots and cables
Presenter:  John Etnyre, University of Pennsylvania
Date:  Thursday, March 6, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
MARCH 10 - 14, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Andrea Bertozzi, Duke University 
Date:  Monday, March 10, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
MARCH 17 - 21, 2003
SPRING BREAK
MARCH 24 - 28, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: New high-order, high-frequency methods in computational electromagnetism
Presenter:  Oscar Bruno, California Institute of Technology 
Date:  Monday, March 24, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: We present a new set of algorithms and methodologies for the numerical solution of problems of scattering by complex bodies in three-dimensional space. These methods, which are based on integral equations, high-order integration, fast Fourier transforms and highly accurate high-frequency methods, can be used in the solution of problems of electromagnetic and acoustic scattering by surfaces and penetrable scatterers --- even in cases in which the scatterers contain geometric singularities such as corners and edges. In all cases the solvers exhibit high-order convergence, they run on low memories and reduced operation counts, and they result in solutions with a high degree of accuracy. In particular, our algorithms can evaluate accurately in a personal computer scattering from hundred-wavelength-long objects by direct solution of integral equations --- a goal, otherwise achievable today only by supercomputing. A new class of high-order surface representation methods will be discussed, which allows for accurate high-order description of surfaces from a given CAD representation. A class of high-order high-frequency methods which we developed recently, finally, are efficient where our direct methods become costly, thus leading to a general and accurate computational methodology which is applicable and accurate for the whole range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Topology Seminar
Topic: Hyperbolic Manifolds with Convex Boundary
Presenter:  Jean-Marc Schlenker, Université Paul Sabatier
Date:  Thursday, March 27, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract:
Let M be a compact 3-manifold with boundary, which admits a convex co-compact hyperbolic metric. One can describe the hyperbolic metrics on M for which the boundary is smooth and strictly convex.
Theorem A: the induced metrics have curvature K>-1, and each is obtained for a unique hyperbolic metric on M.
Theorem B: the third fundamental forms of the boundary have curvature K<1, and their closed geodesics which are contractible in M have length L>2\pi. Each is obtained for a unique hyperbolic metric on M.
Theorem B has analogs when the boundary is supposed to look locally like an ideal or a hyperideal polyhedron. As a consequence, we find an extension of the Koebe circle packing theorem when the sphere is
replaced by the boundary of M.
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Fanghua Lin, Courant Institute, New York University
Date:  Friday, March 28, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
MARCH 31 - APRIL 4, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Anna-Karin Tornberg, Courant Institute 
Date:  Monday, March 31, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Gavril Farkas, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Date:  Tuesday, April 1, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Topology Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  John Morgan, Columbia University
Date:  Thursday, April 3, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
 APRIL 7 - APRIL 11, 2003
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Yu Yuan, University of Washington
Date:  Friday, April 11, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
APRIL 14 - APRIL 18, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Russel Caflisch, University of California at Los Angeles 
Date:  Monday, April 14, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Topology Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Alejandro Adem, University of Wisconsen
Date:  Thursday, April 17, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
APRIL 21 - APRIL 25, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Carlos Castillo-Chavez, Cornell University 
Date:  Monday, April 21, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Jason Starr, MIT
Date:  Tuesday, April 22, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322