Special Topology Seminar: Dusa McDuff

Abstract:

Diffeomorphisms that preserve a symplectic structure have unexpected rigidity properties. In particular, many manifold have subsets that cannot be displaced (i.e. moved to a disjoint position) by a symplectic isotopy though they can be smoothly displaced. Toric manifolds provide a good setting in which to study these questions because they have a purely combinatorial description. This talk will describe some recent progress in understanding which toric fibers can be displaced. I will try to make the subject accessible to those who do not know toric or symplectic geometry.