Constructing compact manifolds with exceptional holonomy
Abstract
Description
The exceptional holonomy groups are G2 in 7 dimensions, and Spin(7) in 8 dimensions. Riemannian manifolds with these holonomy groups are Ricci-flat. This is a survey paper on constructions for compact 7- and 8-manifolds with holonomy G2 and Spin(7).
The simplest such constructions work by using techniques from complex geometry and Calabi-Yau analysis to resolve the singularities of a torus orbifold T^7/G or T^8/G, for G a finite group preserving a flat G2 or Spin(7)-structure on T^7 or T^8. There are also more complicated constructions which begin with a Calabi-Yau manifold or orbifold.
All the material in this paper is covered in much more detail in the author's book, "Compact manifolds with special holonomy", Oxford University Press, 2000.
17 pages. Lecture for Clay Institute School on Geometry and String Theory, Cambridge, March 2002
17 pages. Lecture for Clay Institute School on Geometry and String Theory, Cambridge, March 2002