Current Seminars
updated 3/6/ 2003

 

MARCH 3 - 7, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic: Modeling textures with total variation minimization and oscillating patterns in image processing
Presenter:  Luminata Vese, University of California, Los Angeles
Date:  Monday, March 3, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: This talk is devoted to the decomposition of a given (possibly textured) image $f$ into a sum of two components $u+v$, where $u$ is a function of bounded variation (a cartoon approximation of $f$), while $v$ is an oscillating function, representing texture or noise. To model the oscillatory component $v$, we investigate the use of some spaces defined by duality, instead of the standard $L^2$ norm. These new techniques for image decomposition and texture modeling follow some recent ideas of Y. Meyer. The obtained algorithms are very simple, making use of differential equations and are easily solved in practice. Finally, I will present various numerical results on real textured images, showing the obtained decomposition $u+v$. I will also illustrate how the proposed methods can be used for image restoration, texture discrimination and texture segmentation. This is joint work with S. Osher and A. Sole.
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.
Department Colloquium
Topic: Proof of the strong perfect graph conjecture
Presenter:  Paul Seymour, Princeton University
Date:  Wednesday, March 5, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract:
In 1961, Claude Berge proposed the conjecture that, in every graph with no odd hole or odd antihole, the number of colours needed to properly colour the graph equals the size of the largest complete subgraph. (An "odd hole" means an induced subgraph which is an odd cycle of length >= 5, and an "odd antihole" is the same in the complement graph.) This became one of  the most well-known and popular open problems in graph theory. In joint work with Maria Chudnovsky, Neil Robertson and Robin Thomas, we proved the conjecture last summer.Most previous approaches to the conjecture were based on studying properties of a minimal counterexample, but our approach was different.We proved that every graph with no odd hole or antihole either falls into one of five well-understood classes, or admits a useful decomposition; and Berge's conjecture is a consequence.The proof is lengthy (150 pages), and this talk will just be a survey of some of the background and ideas involved.
Ergodic Theory and Statistical Analysis Seminar 
Topic: Parabolic Anderson Problems
Presenter:  Michael Cranston, University of Rochester
Date:  Thursday, March 6, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: We consider the almost sure behavior of solutions of the equation\partial u(t,x)/\partial t =\kappa \Delta u(t,x) + dW_x(t) u(t,x) , u(0,x)=u_0(x). This equation arises in a variety of situtions and was the subject of the memoir of Carmona and Molchanov.  We consider the cases where x could be in the integer lattice, Z^d, or in R^d. In the integer lattice case we take W_x to be a field of independent Levy processes. We prove existence of lim 1/t log u(t,x)=\lambda(\kappa) a.s. when u_0 is a bounded,nonzero, nonnegative function and give asymptotics for the Lyapunov exponent, \lambda(\kappa), as \kappa goes down to zero. In the case of R^d, we take W_x to be a C^2 correlated field of Brownian motions. Then we show again that lim 1/t log u(t,x)=\lambda(\kappa) a.s. when u_0 is a bounded nonnegative function and give asymptotics for the Lyapunov exponent, \lambda(\kappa), as\kappa goes down to zero. The asymptotic behavior of \lambda(\kappa) is quite different in the two cases.
Joint Princeton University/IAS/Rutgers University Number Theory Seminar
Topic: Combinatorial measure theory related to the Kakeya set conjecture
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
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: The differential geometry of ordinary differential equations: relations to the conformal structures of Fefferman
Presenter:  George Sparling, University of Pittsburgh
Date:  Friday, March 7, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: Two strands of thought due primarily to Elie Cartan will be combined with ideas of Charles Fefferman to give new descriptions of the geometry of second and third order ordinary differential equations.  Properties of infinite differential ideals associated naturally to ordinary differential equations will be analyzed.  This is joint work with Pawel Nurowski of the University of Warsaw.
MARCH 10 - 14, 2003
Analysis Seminar
Topic: The F. and M. Riesz theorem for complex vector fields
Presenter:  Shiferaw Berhanu, Temple University
Date:  Monday, March 10, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: The classical F. and M. Riesz theorem for holomorphic functions states that if a holomorphic function defined on a smooth subdomain of the plane has a boundary value that is a measure, then the measure is absolutely continuous with respect to Lebesgue measure.  We will discuss generalizations of this result to solutions of first order complex vector fields
PACM Colloquium
Topic: New challenges for hydrodynamics: microfluidics, imaging science, and mobile sensors
Presenter:  Andrea Bertozzi, Duke University 
Date:  Monday, March 10, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: This talk will showcase three new research areas involving mathematical fluid dynamics. Microfluidics is a rapidly growing field being driven by new technological applications in the medical, materials, and chemical sciences. Surface tension effects (Marangoni stresses) are important on these scales. We consider the basic physics of surface tension gradients (used to move liquids) in conjunction with body forces on fluids and show that the ensuing dynamics can yield multiple shock structures involving undercompressive waves. 
In the field of imaging science, Image inpainting involves filling in part of an image or video using information from the surrounding area. We introduce a class of automated methods for digital inpainting using ideas from classical fluid dynamics. The main idea is to think of the image intensity as a `stream function' for a two-dimensional incompressible flow. The method is directly based on the Navier-Stokes equations for fluid dynamics, which has the immediate advantage of well-developed theoretical and numerical results.
An emerging area of mobile sensor control is the design of algorithms for multiple unmanned vehicles. Taking ideas from mathematical biology, we consider swarming algorithms for fluid-like motion based on simple rules for self-propulsion and local interaction. Applications range from mine detection algorithms to perimeter patrol and gradient searching.
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: Odd theta characteristics: embedding M_g and A_g
Presenter:  Samuel Grushevsky, Princeton University 
Date:  Tuesday, March 11,2003 Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Abstract: Starting from the classical problem of recovering a plane curve from its bitangents, we discuss, following the work of Caporaso and Sernesi, recovering a canonical curve of genus $g$ in $P^g$ from the hyperplanes tangent to it in $g-1$ points. We then present a generalization of this question to the moduli of abelian varieties, construct an embedding of (some level covers of) $M_g$ and $A_g$ into a Grassmanian, and discuss some applications. This is joint work with Riccardo Salvati Manni.
Department Colloquium
Topic: Homology manifolds
Presenter:  Frank Quinn, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 
Date:  Wednesday, March 12, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: We describe the development, complete with misadventures, of homology manifolds from Poincare to the present day. A new construction giving low-dimensional examples  will be sketched, and the status of the major open problems will be discussed.
Ergodic Theory and Statistical Analysis Seminar 
Topic: Ergodic and stochastic properties of Hénon and Hénon-like maps
Presenter:  Michael Benedicks, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm
Date:  Thursday, March 13, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: We will indicate the fairly recent progress on the understanding of ergodic and statistical properties of the Henon maps with "strange attractors" constructed by L. Carleson and M. Benedicks around 1990 and the corresponding Henon-like map studied by Mora and Viana.  We will discuss such topics as the existence of SRB-measures, decay of correlation, the metric basin property (there are no holes in the metric basin of the attractor) and stability under random perturbations. This is exclusively joint work with either L-S Young or M. Viana.
Topology Seminar
Topic: Mu transpososome:  a knot-theoretic look at an experiment by Pathania, Jayaram, and Harshey
Presenter:  John Luecke, University of Texas at Austin
Date:  Thursday, March 13, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: The Mu transpososome is a bringing-together of three separate segments of a DNA molecule.  We describe a recent experiment by Pathania, Jayaram, Harshey (Cell, Vol. 109, 425-436) which discovers the architecture of this complex (thinking of it as a 3-string tangle) by coupling it with the recombination enzyme CRE and observing the resulting knotted products which arise.  We will give a knot-theoretic analysis of the results of this experiment.  We show that there are other possible architectures, and then classify these architectures in terms of certain kinds of knotted graphs.  Using this description, we shot that the PJH solution is the only rational (3-string) tangle solution for the architecture, and furthermore show that any other solution must have at least 11 crossings (where the PJH solution has only 6).  This is joint work with Isabel Darcy and Mariel Vasquez.
Joint Non-Linear Analysis Seminar
Topic: Causal Structure of rough solutions to the Einstein equations
Presenter:  Sergiu Klainerman, Princeton University
Date:  Thursday, March 13, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: Dehn surgery and Einstein metrics in higher dimensions
Presenter:  Michael Anderson, SUNY at Stony Brook
Date:  Friday, March 14, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Abstract: We will describe a construction of a large class of Einstein metrics of negative scalar curvature on compact n-manifolds, for any n > 2. These metrics are obtained by performing Dehn surgery on toral ends of a complete non-compact hyperbolic n-manifold, exactly as in Thurston's cusp closing theorem in dimension 3. (The construction gives a new proof of Thurston's theorem). A key ingredient is the use of "twisted" toral black hole metrics discussed in connection with the AdS/CFT correspondence.
MARCH 17 - 21, 2003
SPRING BREAK
MARCH 24 - 28, 2003
PACM Colloquium  *** Please note special time
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Steven Strogatz, Cornell University 
Date:  Monday, March 24, 2003, Time: 12:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
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.
Department Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Madhu Sudan, MIT
Date:  Wednesday, March 26, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
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.
Joint Princeton / IAS / Rutgers Non-linear Analysis Seminar
Topic: Topological Singularity in some Non-linear PDE Problems
Presenter:  Fang-Hua Lin, Courant Institute
Date:  Thursday, March 27, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract:
Many interesting natural phenomena contain some sort of singular behavior and are often manifested through energy concentrations.  Singularities of solutions of Partial Differential Equations which describe these phenomena are, therefore, an important part of facets.  One can divide these singularities into two basic categories:  topological and non-topological.  There are many examples of non-topological singularities such as spikes in the reaction-diffusion systems, concentrated vorticities in the Euler or the Navier-Stokes equations.  Singularities in these examples may or may not carry quantified amounts of energy.  On the other hand, the topological singularities often not only carry a definite topological information but also a quantified amount of energy.  Because of this, they are often more stable energetically and dynamically.  The purpose of this lecture is to describe some recent works on analysis of topological singularity in some variational and evolution problems.
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
Department Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Stanislav Smirnov, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm
Date:  Wednesday, April 2, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Ergodic Theory and Statistical Analysis Seminar 
Topic: Ergodic properties of boundary actions
Presenter:  Tatiana Nagnibeda, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm
Date:  Thursday, April 3, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: We shall discuss ergodic properties of the action of a subgroup H of a free group F on the Poisson boundary of the simple random walk on F.  The action is ergodic if and only if the quotient F/H admit no non-constant bounded harmonic function.  Methods from combinatorial group theory allow us to identify the conservative and the dissipative part of the action.  We also present necessary and sufficient conditions of conservativity of the action in terms of geometry of the quotient.  This is a joint work with R. Grigorhcuk and V. Kaimanovich.
Topology Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  John Morgan, Columbia University
Date:  Thursday, April 3, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Changyou Wang, University of Kentucky
Date:  Friday, April 4, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
 APRIL 7 - APRIL 11, 2003
PACM Colloquium
Topic:

Interval analysis and set-membership techniques in estimation

Presenter:  Isabelle Braems, MAE, Princeton University 
Date:  Monday, April 7, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214
Abstract: Interval analysis has been developed more than four decades ago to control numerical round-off errors in computers, in a rigorous way. It has then reached many other fields (assisted proof demonstrations, numerical simulation, estimation…) and applications (biology, chemical engineering, economics, computer vision, robotics…) where guaranteed computations are essential. In this talk we shall focus on parameter and state estimation problem. We will emphasize how interval analysis permits to estimate in a guaranteed way a reliable enclosure of all the global minima in optimization problems, or of all the acceptable solutions in the bounded-error context. This talk will first briefly present (or recall) the bases of interval analysis. Several applications -including non-identifiable kinetic parameteridentification, reliable characterization of a thermal set-up, and robot localization- will illustrate the performance of this approach.
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Nikos Tziolas, Max Planck Institute
Date:  Tuesday, April 8, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Department Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Percy Deift, New York University
Date:  Wednesday, April 9, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
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
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Aobing Li, Rutgers University
Date:  Friday, April 18, 2003, Time: 3:00 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
Department Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Russel Lyons, Indiana
Date:  Wednesday, April 23, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
Geometric Analysis Seminar 
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  Xiaodong Wang, MIT
Date:  Friday, April 25, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314
APRIL 28 - MAY 2, 2003
Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  T. Terasoma, Institute for Advanced Study
Date:  Tuesday, April 29, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322
Department Colloquium
Topic: TBA
Presenter:  S.R.Srinivasa Varadhan, New York University
Date:  Wednesday, April 30, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314