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Mapping class groups of K3 surfaces from a Thurstonian viewpoint, II: the space of Ricci-flat metrics and the Nielsen realization problem

Minerva Lectures

Mapping class groups of K3 surfaces from a Thurstonian viewpoint, II: the space of Ricci-flat metrics and the Nielsen realization problem

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Benson Farb, University of Chicago
McDonnell Hall A02

To attend virtually, please register at  Minerva Lectures 2024.

In the early 1980's Donaldson introduced moduli spaces of connections as a tool for studying smooth 4-manifolds and their diffeomorphisms .  In this talk I will explain how other moduli spaces (of complex structures, of Ricci-flat metrics, of elliptic fibrations, etc.) can be used to understand diffeomorphisms of 4-manifolds.  ln particular I will explain how this viewpoint can be applied to the Nielsen Realization Problem for K3 surfaces. 

This is joint work with Eduard Looijenga.