Algebraic Geometry Seminar: "On the nonnegativity of stringy Hodge numbers"

Abstract: Stringy Hodge numbers are a generalization of the usual Hodge numbers of a smooth projective variety. Batyrev introduced them to formulate the topological mirror symmetry test for singular Calabi-Yau varieties. These numbers are defined on a wider class of projective varieties with mild singularities, which are studied in birational geometry. In contrast to the usual Hodge numbers, stringy Hodge numbers are not defined via a cohomology theory. Consequently, Batyrev conjectured that they are nonnegative. This nonnegativity represents a numerical constraint on the exceptional divisor of a resolution of singularities, and thus, it is of intrinsic interest in birational geometry. In this talk, I will present positive results towards Batyrevs conjecture.

Host: Patricio Gallardo