Algebraic surfaces and hyperbolic geometry

Abstract: The intersection form among curves on a complex algebraic surface always has signature (1,n) for some n. So the automorphism group of an algebraic surface always acts on hyperbolic (n-1)-space. For a class of surfaces including K3 surfaces and many rational surfaces, there is a close connection between the properties of the variety and the corresponding group acting on hyperbolic space.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m. (Math Lounge, MATX 1115).