. . . . . .
.
.. . .
.
. Energy of knots and related topics
Jun O’Hara (Tokyo Metropolitan University)
28/07/2010
The 2nd TAPU-KOOK Joint Seminar on Knots and Related Topics
& The 4th Graduate Student Workshop on Mathematics Kyungpook National University
(Kusner and J.Sullivan)
. . . . . .
.. Table of contents
Energy of knots (first 10 years)
Motivation ∼ optimal configuration for each knot type. Renormalization
M¨obius invariance and existence of energy minimizers Various energies
Renormalization of Riesz-type potential and generalization of barycenter (coming 10 years ?)
Renormalized r−4 potential energy of surfaces and the average of the squared linking numbers with random circles (with Gil Solanes) (coming 10 years ?)
(If time permits) M¨obius geometry and the infinitesimal cross ratio (with R´emi Langevin). (last 10 years)
Energy of knots (first 10 years)
Motivation ∼ optimal configuration for each knot type. Renormalization
M¨obius invariance and existence of energy minimizers Various energies
Renormalization of Riesz-type potential and generalization of barycenter (coming 10 years ?)
Renormalized r−4 potential energy of surfaces and the average of the squared linking numbers with random circles (with Gil Solanes) (coming 10 years ?)
(If time permits) M¨obius geometry and the infinitesimal cross ratio (with R´emi Langevin). (last 10 years)
. . . . . .
.. Table of contents
Energy of knots (first 10 years)
Motivation ∼ optimal configuration for each knot type. Renormalization
M¨obius invariance and existence of energy minimizers Various energies
Renormalization of Riesz-type potential and generalization of barycenter (coming 10 years ?)
Renormalized r−4 potential energy of surfaces and the average of the squared linking numbers with random circles (with Gil Solanes) (coming 10 years ?)
(If time permits) M¨obius geometry and the infinitesimal cross ratio (with R´emi Langevin). (last 10 years)
Energy of knots (first 10 years)
Motivation ∼ optimal configuration for each knot type. Renormalization
M¨obius invariance and existence of energy minimizers Various energies
Renormalization of Riesz-type potential and generalization of barycenter (coming 10 years ?)
Renormalized r−4 potential energy of surfaces and the average of the squared linking numbers with random circles (with Gil Solanes) (coming 10 years ?)
(If time permits) M¨obius geometry and the infinitesimal cross ratio (with R´emi Langevin). (last 10 years)
. . . . . .
.. Energy of knots
Motivation (Fukuhara, Sakuma): Produce “optimal configurations” for every knot type as energy minimizers. A functional e : {knots} → R is called an energy if it blows up as a knot degenerates to a singular knot with double points.
Motivation (Fukuhara, Sakuma): Produce “optimal configurations” for every knot type as energy minimizers. A functional e : {knots} → R is called an energy if it blows up as a knot degenerates to a singular knot with double points.
. . . . . .
.. Our strategy
. . . . . .
.. Our strategy
Each “cell” corresponds to a knot type.
. . . . . .
.. Our strategy
Deform it along the gradient flow of the
“energy” e.
. . . . . .
.. Our strategy
Crossing changes during the deformation process should be avoided!
e : {knots} → R is an energy of knots
⇐⇒ e(K) blows up as K degenerates to a singular knot with double points.
. . . . . .
.. How to define energy of knots
The “voltage” at point x and “potential energy” are given by
“V (K; x)” =
∫
K
dy
|x − y|
“E(K)” =
∫
K
V (x) dx =
∫∫
K×K
dxdy
|x − y|.
The “voltage” at point x and “potential energy” are given by
“V (K; x)” =
∫
K
dy
|x − y| = ∞
“E(K)” =
∫
K
V (x) dx =
∫∫
K×K
dxdy
|x − y| = ∞. Thus we need renormalization
. . . . . .
.. Renormalization
Suppose
∫
Ω
ω blows up on X ⊂ Ω.
Remove the ε-tub. nbd. Nε(X) and put p(ε) :=
∫
Ω\Nε(X)
ω. Then lim
ε→+0p(ε) = ∞.
Expand p(ε) in a series of 1
ε: p(ε) = a0+ a1
ε + a2 ε2 + · · · The constant a0 is what we get by the renormalization. Sometimes we need a log1ε term.
Sometimes the series may be a0+ 1 εb
( a′0+a
′1
ε + a′2 ε2 + · · ·
)
Suppose
∫
Ω
ω blows up on X ⊂ Ω.
Remove the ε-tub. nbd. Nε(X) and put p(ε) :=
∫
Ω\Nε(X)
ω. Then lim
ε→+0p(ε) = ∞.
Expand p(ε) in a series of 1
ε: p(ε) = a0+ a1
ε + a2 ε2 + · · · The constant a0 is what we get by the renormalization. Sometimes we need a log1ε term.
Sometimes the series may be a0+ 1 εb
( a′0+a
′1
ε + a′2 ε2 + · · ·
)
. . . . . .
.. Renormalization
Suppose
∫
Ω
ω blows up on X ⊂ Ω.
Remove the ε-tub. nbd. Nε(X) and put p(ε) :=
∫
Ω\Nε(X)
ω. Then lim
ε→+0p(ε) = ∞.
Expand p(ε) in a series of 1
ε: p(ε) = a0+ a1
ε + a2 ε2 + · · · The constant a0 is what we get by the renormalization. Sometimes we need a log1ε term.
Sometimes the series may be a0+ 1 εb
( a′0+a
′1
ε + a′2 ε2 + · · ·
)
Suppose
∫
Ω
ω blows up on X ⊂ Ω.
Remove the ε-tub. nbd. Nε(X) and put p(ε) :=
∫
Ω\Nε(X)
ω. Then lim
ε→+0p(ε) = ∞.
Expand p(ε) in a series of 1
ε: p(ε) = a0+ a1
ε + a2 ε2 + · · · The constant a0 is what we get by the renormalization. Sometimes we need a log1ε term.
Sometimes the series may be a0+ 1 εb
( a′0+a
′1
ε + a′2 ε2 + · · ·
)
. . . . . .
.. Renormalization
Suppose
∫
Ω
ω blows up on X ⊂ Ω.
Remove the ε-tub. nbd. Nε(X) and put p(ε) :=
∫
Ω\Nε(X)
ω. Then lim
ε→+0p(ε) = ∞.
Expand p(ε) in a series of 1
ε: p(ε) = a0+ a1
ε + a2 ε2 + · · · The constant a0 is what we get by the renormalization. Sometimes we need a log1ε term.
Sometimes the series may be a0+ 1 εb
( a′0+a
′1
ε + a′2 ε2 + · · ·
)
V (K; x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K\(ε-nbd. of x)
dy
|x − y|− 2 log 1 ε
)
E(K) =
∫
K
V (K; x) dx
= lim
ε→+0
(∫∫
K×K\Nε(∆)
dxdy
|x − y|− 2L(K) log1 ε
)
charged
But this E is not an energy, i.e it is finite for singular knots with double points.
. . . . . .
.. Renormalized energy
The renormalization can be done as V (K; x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K\(ε-nbd. of x)
dy
|x − y|− 2 log 1 ε
)
E(K) =
∫
K
V (K; x) dx
= lim
ε→+0
(∫∫
K×K\Nε(∆)
dxdy
|x − y|− 2L(K) log1 ε
)
charged
But this E is not an energy, i.e it is finite for singular knots with double points.
Let α > 1. Put V(α)(K; x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K\Nε(x)
dy
|x − y|α −
(a function F of ε and x
))
E(α)(K) =
∫
K
V(α)(K; x) dx.
When α < 3 we can take the counter term F (ε, x) by F (ε, x) = 2
(α − 1)εα−1, i.e. independent of x.
. . . . . .
.. r
−α-modified energy (1)
Let α > 1. Put V(α)(K; x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K\Nε(x)
dy
|x − y|α −
(a function F of ε and x
))
E(α)(K) =
∫
K
V(α)(K; x) dx.
When α < 3 we can take the counter term F (ε, x) by F (ε, x) = 2
(α − 1)εα−1, i.e. independent of x.
When 1 < α < 3 the renormalization can be done as V(α)(K; x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K\Nε(x)
dy
|x − y|α −
2 (α − 1)εα−1
)
E(α)(K) =
∫
K
V(α)(K; x) dx
= lim
ε→+0
(∫
K×K\Nε(∆)
dxdy
|x − y|α −
2L(K) (α − 1)εα−1
)
When α ≥ 3, F (ε, x) depends on x.
E(α) thus defined (1 < α < 3) is an energy if and only if α ≥ 2.
Let us study E(2).
. . . . . .
.. r
−α-modified energy (2)
When 1 < α < 3 the renormalization can be done as V(α)(K; x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K\Nε(x)
dy
|x − y|α −
2 (α − 1)εα−1
)
E(α)(K) =
∫
K
V(α)(K; x) dx
= lim
ε→+0
(∫
K×K\Nε(∆)
dxdy
|x − y|α −
2L(K) (α − 1)εα−1
)
When α ≥ 3, F (ε, x) depends on x.
E(α) thus defined (1 < α < 3) is an energy if and only if α ≥ 2.
Let us study E(2).
When 1 < α < 3 the renormalization can be done as V(α)(K; x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K\Nε(x)
dy
|x − y|α −
2 (α − 1)εα−1
)
E(α)(K) =
∫
K
V(α)(K; x) dx
= lim
ε→+0
(∫
K×K\Nε(∆)
dxdy
|x − y|α −
2L(K) (α − 1)εα−1
)
When α ≥ 3, F (ε, x) depends on x.
E(α) thus defined (1 < α < 3) is an energy if and only if α ≥ 2.
Let us study E(2).
. . . . . .
.. Properties of E
(2).Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
.
.
E◦(2) is invariant under M¨obius transformations, i.e. if T is a M¨obius transformation of R3∪ {∞} then E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(K) ∀K.
The answer to our motivational problem depends on a topological condition.
.Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
. .There is an E(2)-minimizer for each prime knot type.
.Conjecture (Kusner-J.Sullivan) .
.
... .
. .There are no E(2)-minimizers for composite knot types.
Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
.
.
E◦(2) is invariant under M¨obius transformations, i.e. if T is a M¨obius transformation of R3∪ {∞} then E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(K) ∀K.
The answer to our motivational problem depends on a topological condition.
.Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
. .There is an E(2)-minimizer for each prime knot type.
.Conjecture (Kusner-J.Sullivan) .
.
... .
. .There are no E(2)-minimizers for composite knot types.
. . . . . .
.. Properties of E
(2).Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
.
.
E◦(2) is invariant under M¨obius transformations, i.e. if T is a M¨obius transformation of R3∪ {∞} then E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(K) ∀K.
The answer to our motivational problem depends on a topological condition.
.Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
. .There is an E(2)-minimizer for each prime knot type.
.Conjecture (Kusner-J.Sullivan) .
.
... .
. .There are no E(2)-minimizers for composite knot types.
Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
.
.
E◦(2) is invariant under M¨obius transformations, i.e. if T is a M¨obius transformation of R3∪ {∞} then E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(K) ∀K.
The answer to our motivational problem depends on a topological condition.
.Theorem (Freedman-He-Wang) .
.
... .
. .There is an E(2)-minimizer for each prime knot type.
.Conjecture (Kusner-J.Sullivan) .
.
... .
. .There are no E(2)-minimizers for composite knot types.
. . . . . .
.. How composite knots behave ∼ pull-tight
. . . . . .
.. Prime knots Case
Why do prime knots have E◦(2)-minimizers? How can they avoid pull-tight?)
He shows that E(2)-minimizers are smooth.
There are uncountably many E(2)-minimizers for each non-trivial prime knot type.
{ K : an E◦(2)-minimizer of a knot type [K] T : a M¨obius transformation
⇒
{ T (K) or its mirror image T (K)∗ ∈ [K], and E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(T (K)∗) = E(2)(K).
⇒ T (K) or T (K)∗ is an E(2)-minimizer of [K]. .Open problem
. .
... .
. .♯ ({Minimizers of [K]}/M¨obius group) =?
. . . . . .
.. Remarks I
He shows that E(2)-minimizers are smooth.
There are uncountably many E(2)-minimizers for each non-trivial prime knot type.
{ K : an E◦(2)-minimizer of a knot type [K] T : a M¨obius transformation
⇒
{ T (K) or its mirror image T (K)∗ ∈ [K], and E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(T (K)∗) = E(2)(K).
⇒ T (K) or T (K)∗ is an E(2)-minimizer of [K]. .Open problem
. .
... .
. .♯ ({Minimizers of [K]}/M¨obius group) =?
He shows that E(2)-minimizers are smooth.
There are uncountably many E(2)-minimizers for each non-trivial prime knot type.
{ K : an E◦(2)-minimizer of a knot type [K] T : a M¨obius transformation
⇒
{ T (K) or its mirror image T (K)∗ ∈ [K], and E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(T (K)∗) = E(2)(K).
⇒ T (K) or T (K)∗ is an E(2)-minimizer of [K]. .Open problem
. .
... .
. .♯ ({Minimizers of [K]}/M¨obius group) =?
. . . . . .
.. Remarks I
He shows that E(2)-minimizers are smooth.
There are uncountably many E(2)-minimizers for each non-trivial prime knot type.
{ K : an E◦(2)-minimizer of a knot type [K] T : a M¨obius transformation
⇒
{ T (K) or its mirror image T (K)∗ ∈ [K], and E(2)(T (K)) = E(2)(T (K)∗) = E(2)(K).
⇒ T (K) or T (K)∗ is an E(2)-minimizer of [K]. .Open problem
. .
... .
. .♯ ({Minimizers of [K]}/M¨obius group) =?
.Open problem .
.
... .
.
.∃ E(2)◦ -ciritical unknots besides round circles? If NO =⇒ Hatcher’s results:
{unknots in S3}−−−−−−−−−−→≃ deform. retract
{great circles in S3}
E(2) can untie the following “unknots”: Ochiai’s unknot (Huang, Kauffman, and Grzeszczuk ’97) and “Freedman’s unknot” (Kusner and Sullivan ’94).
. . . . . .
.. Remarks II
.Open problem .
.
... .
.
.∃ E(2)◦ -ciritical unknots besides round circles? If NO =⇒ Hatcher’s results:
{unknots in S3}−−−−−−−−−−→≃ deform. retract
{great circles in S3}
E(2) can untie the following “unknots”: Ochiai’s unknot (Huang, Kauffman, and Grzeszczuk ’97) and “Freedman’s unknot” (Kusner and Sullivan ’94).
.Open problem .
.
... .
.
.∃ E(2)◦ -ciritical unknots besides round circles? If NO =⇒ Hatcher’s results:
{unknots in S3}−−−−−−−−−−→≃ deform. retract
{great circles in S3}
E(2) can untie the following “unknots”: Ochiai’s unknot (Huang, Kauffman, and Grzeszczuk ’97) and “Freedman’s unknot” (Kusner and Sullivan ’94).
. . . . . .
.. Unknots
Figure: Ochiai’s unknot
Figure: Freedman’s unknot
(Kusner and J.Sullivan)
. . . . . .
.. How to produce energy minimizers
Find an energy for which ∀ knot type has an energy minimizer. Two solutions.
E(2)(K) = −4 +
∫∫
K×K
( 1
|x − y|2 − 1 dK(x, y)2
) dxdy
Change the power 2 bigger
Change the metric of the ambient space In each case, no M¨obius invariance any more.
Find an energy for which ∀ knot type has an energy minimizer. Two solutions.
E(2)(K) = −4 +
∫∫
K×K
( 1
|x − y|2 − 1 dK(x, y)2
) dxdy
Change the power 2 bigger
Change the metric of the ambient space In each case, no M¨obius invariance any more.
. . . . . .
.. How to produce energy minimizers
Find an energy for which ∀ knot type has an energy minimizer. Two solutions.
E(2)(K) = −4 +
∫∫
K×K
( 1
|x − y|2 − 1 dK(x, y)2
) dxdy
Change the power 2 bigger
Change the metric of the ambient space In each case, no M¨obius invariance any more.
Find an energy for which ∀ knot type has an energy minimizer. Two solutions.
E(2)(K) = −4 +
∫∫
K×K
( 1
|x − y|2 − 1 dK(x, y)2
) dxdy
Change the power 2 bigger
Change the metric of the ambient space In each case, no M¨obius invariance any more.
. . . . . .
.. How to produce energy minimizers
Find an energy for which ∀ knot type has an energy minimizer. Two solutions.
E(2)(K) = −4 +
∫∫
K×K
( 1
|x − y|2 − 1 dK(x, y)2
) dxdy
Change the power 2 bigger
Change the metric of the ambient space In each case, no M¨obius invariance any more.
Suppose K has length 1. When 2 ≤ α < 3
E(α)(K) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K×K\Nε(∆)
dxdy
|x − y|α −
2 (α − 1)εα−1
)
.Theorem .
.
... .
. .There is anE(α)-minimizer for any knot type if(3 >)α > 2.
. . . . . .
.. Energy with bigger index
Suppose K has length 1. When 2 ≤ α < 3
E(α)(K) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
K×K\Nε(∆)
dxdy
|x − y|α −
2 (α − 1)εα−1
)
.Theorem .
.
... .
. .There is anE(α)-minimizer for any knot type if(3 >)α > 2.
Ω : a compact domain in Rm, α ∈ R.
Rm ∋ x 7→ V(α)
Ω (x) :=
∫
Ω
|x − y|α−mdµ(y) It is well-defined if α > 0.
It is called the Riesz potential if 0 < α < m. If α ≤ 0 and x ∈ Ω the integral blows up near x. The same method of renormalization applies
⇝ VΩ(α): Rm\ ∂Ω → R (∀α)
. . . . . .
.. Renormalization of Riesz-type potential
Ω : a compact domain in Rm, α ∈ R.
Rm ∋ x 7→ V(α)
Ω (x) :=
∫
Ω
|x − y|α−mdµ(y) It is well-defined if α > 0.
It is called the Riesz potential if 0 < α < m. If α ≤ 0 and x ∈ Ω the integral blows up near x. The same method of renormalization applies
⇝ VΩ(α): Rm\ ∂Ω → R (∀α)
Ω : a compact domain in Rm, α ∈ R.
Rm ∋ x 7→ V(α)
Ω (x) :=
∫
Ω
|x − y|α−mdµ(y) It is well-defined if α > 0.
It is called the Riesz potential if 0 < α < m. If α ≤ 0 and x ∈ Ω the integral blows up near x. The same method of renormalization applies
⇝ VΩ(α): Rm\ ∂Ω → R (∀α)
. . . . . .
.. Renormalization of Riesz-type potential
Ω : a compact domain in Rm, α ∈ R.
Rm ∋ x 7→ V(α)
Ω (x) :=
∫
Ω
|x − y|α−mdµ(y) It is well-defined if α > 0.
It is called the Riesz potential if 0 < α < m. If α ≤ 0 and x ∈ Ω the integral blows up near x. The same method of renormalization applies
⇝ VΩ(α): Rm\ ∂Ω → R (∀α)
K. Shibata introduced an “illuminating center” of a triangle. .Problem
. .
... .
. .Where should we place a street lamp in a triangular park?
The illuminating center of a planar domain Ω is the point that maximizes VΩ(0) in Ω.◦
VΩ(0)(x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
Ω\Bε(x)
dµ(y)
|x − y|2 − 2π log 1 ε
)
. . . . . .
.. Illuminating center
K. Shibata introduced an “illuminating center” of a triangle. .Problem
. .
... .
. .Where should we place a street lamp in a triangular park?
The illuminating center of a planar domain Ω is the point that maximizes VΩ(0) in Ω.◦
VΩ(0)(x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
Ω\Bε(x)
dµ(y)
|x − y|2 − 2π log 1 ε
)
K. Shibata introduced an “illuminating center” of a triangle. .Problem
. .
... .
. .Where should we place a street lamp in a triangular park?
The illuminating center of a planar domain Ω is the point that maximizes VΩ(0) in Ω.◦
VΩ(0)(x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
Ω\Bε(x)
dµ(y)
|x − y|2 − 2π log 1 ε
)
. . . . . .
.. Generalization of barycenter
The barycenter (center of mass) ¯x of a domain Ω ⊂ Rm is given by
¯ x =
∫
Ω
y dµ(y)
∫
Ω
1 dµ(y) .
It is characterized by
∫
Ω
(¯x − y) dµ(y) = 0 ⇐⇒
∫
Ω
(¯xi− yi) dµ(y) = 0. The barycenter is the unique point that minimizes
VΩ(m+2)(x) =
∫
Ω
|x − y|2dµ(y) =
∫
Ω
∑m i=1
(xi− yi)2dµ(y)
The barycenter (center of mass) ¯x of a domain Ω ⊂ Rm is given by
¯ x =
∫
Ω
y dµ(y)
∫
Ω
1 dµ(y) .
It is characterized by
∫
Ω
(¯x − y) dµ(y) = 0 ⇐⇒
∫
Ω
(¯xi− yi) dµ(y) = 0. The barycenter is the unique point that minimizes
VΩ(m+2)(x) =
∫
Ω
|x − y|2dµ(y) =
∫
Ω
∑m i=1
(xi− yi)2dµ(y)
. . . . . .
.. Generalization of barycenter
The barycenter (center of mass) ¯x of a domain Ω ⊂ Rm is given by
¯ x =
∫
Ω
y dµ(y)
∫
Ω
1 dµ(y) .
It is characterized by
∫
Ω
(¯x − y) dµ(y) = 0 ⇐⇒
∫
Ω
(¯xi− yi) dµ(y) = 0. The barycenter is the unique point that minimizes
VΩ(m+2)(x) =
∫
Ω
|x − y|2dµ(y) =
∫
Ω
∑m i=1
(xi− yi)2dµ(y)
. .
... . .
An rα−m-centerof Ω ⊂ Rm is a point that attains the exremal value of VΩ(α).
To be precise, according to α,
the minimum value of VΩ(α) when α > m, the maximum value of VΩ(α) when 0 < α < m, the maximum value of VΩ(α)◦
Ωwhen α ≤ 0. The illuminating center is an r−2-center.
The barycenter (center of mass) is an r2-center. .Theorem
. .
... .
.
.
Any compact domain with some natural technical conditions has a rα−m-center for any α ̸= m.
. . . . . .
.. Generalized centers
.Definition .
.
... .
.
.
An rα−m-centerof Ω ⊂ Rm is a point that attains the exremal value of VΩ(α).
To be precise, according to α,
the minimum value of VΩ(α) when α > m, the maximum value of VΩ(α) when 0 < α < m, the maximum value of VΩ(α)◦
Ωwhen α ≤ 0. The illuminating center is an r−2-center.
The barycenter (center of mass) is an r2-center. .Theorem
. .
... .
.
.
Any compact domain with some natural technical conditions has a rα−m-center for any α ̸= m.
. .
... . .
An rα−m-centerof Ω ⊂ Rm is a point that attains the exremal value of VΩ(α).
To be precise, according to α,
the minimum value of VΩ(α) when α > m, the maximum value of VΩ(α) when 0 < α < m, the maximum value of VΩ(α)◦
Ωwhen α ≤ 0. The illuminating center is an r−2-center.
The barycenter (center of mass) is an r2-center. .Theorem
. .
... .
.
.
Any compact domain with some natural technical conditions has a rα−m-center for any α ̸= m.
. . . . . .
.. Generalized centers
.Definition .
.
... .
.
.
An rα−m-centerof Ω ⊂ Rm is a point that attains the exremal value of VΩ(α).
To be precise, according to α,
the minimum value of VΩ(α) when α > m, the maximum value of VΩ(α) when 0 < α < m, the maximum value of VΩ(α)◦
Ωwhen α ≤ 0. The illuminating center is an r−2-center.
The barycenter (center of mass) is an r2-center. .Theorem
. .
... .
.
.
Any compact domain with some natural technical conditions has a rα−m-center for any α ̸= m.
. .
... . .
An rα−m-centerof Ω ⊂ Rm is a point that attains the exremal value of VΩ(α).
To be precise, according to α,
the minimum value of VΩ(α) when α > m, the maximum value of VΩ(α) when 0 < α < m, the maximum value of VΩ(α)◦
Ωwhen α ≤ 0. The illuminating center is an r−2-center.
The barycenter (center of mass) is an r2-center. .Theorem
. .
... .
.
.
Any compact domain with some natural technical conditions has a rα−m-center for any α ̸= m.
. . . . . .
.. Generalized centers
.Definition .
.
... .
.
.
An rα−m-centerof Ω ⊂ Rm is a point that attains the exremal value of VΩ(α).
To be precise, according to α,
the minimum value of VΩ(α) when α > m, the maximum value of VΩ(α) when 0 < α < m, the maximum value of VΩ(α)◦
Ωwhen α ≤ 0. The illuminating center is an r−2-center.
The barycenter (center of mass) is an r2-center. .Theorem
. .
... .
.
.
Any compact domain with some natural technical conditions has a rα−m-center for any α ̸= m.
. .
... . .
An rα−m-centerof Ω ⊂ Rm is a point that attains the exremal value of VΩ(α).
To be precise, according to α,
the minimum value of VΩ(α) when α > m, the maximum value of VΩ(α) when 0 < α < m, the maximum value of VΩ(α)◦
Ωwhen α ≤ 0. The illuminating center is an r−2-center.
The barycenter (center of mass) is an r2-center. .Theorem
. .
... .
.
.
Any compact domain with some natural technical conditions has a rα−m-center for any α ̸= m.
. . . . . .
.. r
α−m-center of a convex set
ra-center is not necessarily unique. Example: Ω = [−R, −1] ∪ [1, R] ⊂ R.
An ra-center (a > 1) is the origin. {r1-center} = [−1, 1].
∃ two ra-centers (a < 1, a ̸= 0) in (−R, −1) and (1, R). If α ≥ m + 1 then any compact domain has a unique rα−m-center.
.Theorem .
.
... .
.
.
If a compact domainΩ ⊂ Rm is convex, then the rα−m-center is unique ifα ≤ 1.
ra-center is not necessarily unique. Example: Ω = [−R, −1] ∪ [1, R] ⊂ R.
An ra-center (a > 1) is the origin. {r1-center} = [−1, 1].
∃ two ra-centers (a < 1, a ̸= 0) in (−R, −1) and (1, R). If α ≥ m + 1 then any compact domain has a unique rα−m-center.
.Theorem .
.
... .
.
.
If a compact domainΩ ⊂ Rm is convex, then the rα−m-center is unique ifα ≤ 1.
. . . . . .
.. r
α−m-center of a convex set
ra-center is not necessarily unique. Example: Ω = [−R, −1] ∪ [1, R] ⊂ R.
An ra-center (a > 1) is the origin. {r1-center} = [−1, 1].
∃ two ra-centers (a < 1, a ̸= 0) in (−R, −1) and (1, R). If α ≥ m + 1 then any compact domain has a unique rα−m-center.
.Theorem .
.
... .
.
.
If a compact domainΩ ⊂ Rm is convex, then the rα−m-center is unique ifα ≤ 1.
ra-center is not necessarily unique. Example: Ω = [−R, −1] ∪ [1, R] ⊂ R.
An ra-center (a > 1) is the origin. {r1-center} = [−1, 1].
∃ two ra-centers (a < 1, a ̸= 0) in (−R, −1) and (1, R). If α ≥ m + 1 then any compact domain has a unique rα−m-center.
.Theorem .
.
... .
.
.
If a compact domainΩ ⊂ Rm is convex, then the rα−m-center is unique ifα ≤ 1.
. . . . . .
.. r
α−m-center of a convex set
ra-center is not necessarily unique. Example: Ω = [−R, −1] ∪ [1, R] ⊂ R.
An ra-center (a > 1) is the origin. {r1-center} = [−1, 1].
∃ two ra-centers (a < 1, a ̸= 0) in (−R, −1) and (1, R). If α ≥ m + 1 then any compact domain has a unique rα−m-center.
.Theorem .
.
... .
.
.
If a compact domainΩ ⊂ Rm is convex, then the rα−m-center is unique ifα ≤ 1.
ra-center is not necessarily unique. Example: Ω = [−R, −1] ∪ [1, R] ⊂ R.
An ra-center (a > 1) is the origin. {r1-center} = [−1, 1].
∃ two ra-centers (a < 1, a ̸= 0) in (−R, −1) and (1, R). If α ≥ m + 1 then any compact domain has a unique rα−m-center.
.Theorem .
.
... .
.
.
If a compact domainΩ ⊂ Rm is convex, then the rα−m-center is unique ifα ≤ 1.
. . . . . .
.. r
α−m-center of a convex set
ra-center is not necessarily unique. Example: Ω = [−R, −1] ∪ [1, R] ⊂ R.
An ra-center (a > 1) is the origin. {r1-center} = [−1, 1].
∃ two ra-centers (a < 1, a ̸= 0) in (−R, −1) and (1, R). If α ≥ m + 1 then any compact domain has a unique rα−m-center.
.Theorem .
.
... .
.
.
If a compact domainΩ ⊂ Rm is convex, then the rα−m-center is unique ifα ≤ 1.
(with Gil Solanes) Suppose m = 2 and α = −2. Ω1, Ω2 ⊂ R2 (Ω1∩ Ω2= ∅).
E(Ω1, Ω2) :=
∫
Ω1
VΩ(−2)
2 (x) dµ(x) =
∫
Ω1×Ω2
dµ(x) dµ(y)
|x − y|4 Recall ωcr is the infinitesimal cross ratio of C ∼= R2.
E(Ω1, Ω2) =1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℜe ωcr∧ ℜe ωcr
=1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℑm ωcr∧ ℑm ωcr
Put Ω1 = Ω2 =: Ω. Then we need renormalization.
. . . . . .
.. r
−4-potential energy and infinitesimal cross ratio
(with Gil Solanes) Suppose m = 2 and α = −2. Ω1, Ω2 ⊂ R2 (Ω1∩ Ω2= ∅).
E(Ω1, Ω2) :=
∫
Ω1
VΩ(−2)
2 (x) dµ(x) =
∫
Ω1×Ω2
dµ(x) dµ(y)
|x − y|4 Recall ωcr is the infinitesimal cross ratio of C ∼= R2.
E(Ω1, Ω2) =1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℜe ωcr∧ ℜe ωcr
=1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℑm ωcr∧ ℑm ωcr
Put Ω1 = Ω2 =: Ω. Then we need renormalization.
(with Gil Solanes) Suppose m = 2 and α = −2. Ω1, Ω2 ⊂ R2 (Ω1∩ Ω2= ∅).
E(Ω1, Ω2) :=
∫
Ω1
VΩ(−2)
2 (x) dµ(x) =
∫
Ω1×Ω2
dµ(x) dµ(y)
|x − y|4 Recall ωcr is the infinitesimal cross ratio of C ∼= R2.
E(Ω1, Ω2) =1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℜe ωcr∧ ℜe ωcr
=1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℑm ωcr∧ ℑm ωcr
Put Ω1 = Ω2 =: Ω. Then we need renormalization.
. . . . . .
.. r
−4-potential energy and infinitesimal cross ratio
(with Gil Solanes) Suppose m = 2 and α = −2. Ω1, Ω2 ⊂ R2 (Ω1∩ Ω2= ∅).
E(Ω1, Ω2) :=
∫
Ω1
VΩ(−2)
2 (x) dµ(x) =
∫
Ω1×Ω2
dµ(x) dµ(y)
|x − y|4 Recall ωcr is the infinitesimal cross ratio of C ∼= R2.
E(Ω1, Ω2) =1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℜe ωcr∧ ℜe ωcr
=1 2
∫
Ω1×Ω2
ℑm ωcr∧ ℑm ωcr
Put Ω1 = Ω2 =: Ω. Then we need renormalization.
When x ∈Ω⊂ R◦ 2
VΩ(−2)(x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
Ω\Bε(x)
dµ(y)
|x − y|4 − π ε2
)
VΩ(−2)(x) → −∞ as x → ∂Ω.
Another renormalization is needed for
∫
Ω
VΩ(−2)(x) dµ(x) = −∞ to define E(Ω);
E(Ω) = lim
δ→+0
(∫
Ω\Nδ(∂Ω)
VΩ(−2)(x) dµ(x) + π
4δL(∂Ω) )
.
. . . . . .
.. Renormalized r
−4-potential energy
When x ∈Ω⊂ R◦ 2
VΩ(−2)(x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
Ω\Bε(x)
dµ(y)
|x − y|4 − π ε2
)
VΩ(−2)(x) → −∞ as x → ∂Ω.
Another renormalization is needed for
∫
Ω
VΩ(−2)(x) dµ(x) = −∞ to define E(Ω);
E(Ω) = lim
δ→+0
(∫
Ω\Nδ(∂Ω)
VΩ(−2)(x) dµ(x) + π
4δL(∂Ω) )
.
When x ∈Ω⊂ R◦ 2
VΩ(−2)(x) = lim
ε→+0
(∫
Ω\Bε(x)
dµ(y)
|x − y|4 − π ε2
)
VΩ(−2)(x) → −∞ as x → ∂Ω.
Another renormalization is needed for
∫
Ω
VΩ(−2)(x) dµ(x) = −∞ to define E(Ω);
E(Ω) = lim
δ→+0
(∫
Ω\Nδ(∂Ω)
VΩ(−2)(x) dµ(x) + π
4δL(∂Ω) )
.
. . . . . .
.. Average squared linking number with randomm circles
Let K be a knot in R3 and Ω be a Seifert surface of K. Generalize the renormalized r−4-potential energy to this Seifert surface Ω to get E(K).
.Theorem (with Gil Solanes) .
.
... .
.
.
E(K) can be expressed by the intgral on K × K.
It is the renormalization of the average of the square of the linking number of K and random circles with respect to M¨obius group.
Let K be a knot in R3 and Ω be a Seifert surface of K. Generalize the renormalized r−4-potential energy to this Seifert surface Ω to get E(K).
.Theorem (with Gil Solanes) .
.
... .
.
.
E(K) can be expressed by the intgral on K × K.
It is the renormalization of the average of the square of the linking number of K and random circles with respect to M¨obius group.
. . . . . .
.. Average squared linking number with randomm circles
Let K be a knot in R3 and Ω be a Seifert surface of K. Generalize the renormalized r−4-potential energy to this Seifert surface Ω to get E(K).
.Theorem (with Gil Solanes) .
.
... .
.
.
E(K) can be expressed by the intgral on K × K.
It is the renormalization of the average of the square of the linking number of K and random circles with respect to M¨obius group.
(with R´emi Langevin) The cross ratio of 4 complex numbers w, w + dw, z, and z + dz is given by
(w + dw) − w (w + dw) − (z + dz) :
z − w z − (z + dz) =
dwdz (w − z)2 . It is a 2-form on C × C \ ∆. Denote it by ωcr.
Put ¯C= C ∪ {∞} ∼= S2. Then ωcr can be considered as a 2-form on ¯C× ¯C\ ∆ ∼= S2× S2\ ∆.
Note that ωcr is invariant under diagonal action of M¨obius transformations.
. . . . . .
.. Infinitesimal cross ratio of C ∪ {∞} ∼ = S
2(with R´emi Langevin) The cross ratio of 4 complex numbers w, w + dw, z, and z + dz is given by
(w + dw) − w (w + dw) − (z + dz) :
z − w z − (z + dz) =
dwdz (w − z)2 . It is a 2-form on C × C \ ∆. Denote it by ωcr.
Put ¯C= C ∪ {∞} ∼= S2. Then ωcr can be considered as a 2-form on ¯C× ¯C\ ∆ ∼= S2× S2\ ∆.
Note that ωcr is invariant under diagonal action of M¨obius transformations.
(with R´emi Langevin) The cross ratio of 4 complex numbers w, w + dw, z, and z + dz is given by
(w + dw) − w (w + dw) − (z + dz) :
z − w z − (z + dz) =
dwdz (w − z)2 . It is a 2-form on C × C \ ∆. Denote it by ωcr.
Put ¯C= C ∪ {∞} ∼= S2. Then ωcr can be considered as a 2-form on ¯C× ¯C\ ∆ ∼= S2× S2\ ∆.
Note that ωcr is invariant under diagonal action of M¨obius transformations.
. . . . . .
.. Infinitesimal cross ratio of C ∪ {∞} ∼ = S
2(with R´emi Langevin) The cross ratio of 4 complex numbers w, w + dw, z, and z + dz is given by
(w + dw) − w (w + dw) − (z + dz) :
z − w z − (z + dz) =
dwdz (w − z)2 . It is a 2-form on C × C \ ∆. Denote it by ωcr.
Put ¯C= C ∪ {∞} ∼= S2. Then ωcr can be considered as a 2-form on ¯C× ¯C\ ∆ ∼= S2× S2\ ∆.
Note that ωcr is invariant under diagonal action of M¨obius transformations.
S2× S2\ ∆ can be identified with T∗S2
Each cotangent bundle T∗M has the canonical symplectic form ωM.
.Theorem (Folklore) .
.
... .
.
.
The real part of infinitesimal cross ratio coincides with the canonical symplectic form of the cotangent bundle T∗S2.
The real part can be generalized to the canonical symplectic form of
T∗Sn∼= Sn× Sn\ ∆ ∼= {S0⊂ Sn}
∼= SO(n + 1, 1)/SO(n) × SO(1, 1).