Szego Seminar: Spectral Sequences

Abstract: According to Ravi Vakil, "the name ‘spectral’ was given because, like spectres, spectral sequences are terrifying, evil, and dangerous. I have heard no one disagree with this interpretation, which is perhaps not surprising since I just made it up." In this talk, I will introduce spectral sequences and demonstrate their ghoulish power as a computational tool in algebra and topology. I will also highlight their connection to derived categories. I hope to convince you that spectral sequences are friends, not foes, and will help you vanquish the true villain of this Halloween tale: diagram chasing.