Topology Seminar

Speaker: 
Ying Hu, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Topic: 
Taut foliations and left-orderability of three-manifold groups

Abstract:
The L-space conjecture asserts that for an irreducible, orientable three-manifold $M$, the following three statements are equivalent: a) $M$ has a left-orderable fundamental group, b) $M$ admits a co-orientable taut foliation and c) $M$ is not a Heegaard Floer L-space.
     In this talk, we will discuss the progress made in the understanding of the implication from b) to a). We will show that the existence of certain nice taut foliations does imply that the fundamental group of the manifold is left-orderable. Applications of this general criterion will be given. We will also discuss the limitations of current techniques as well as some open problems.

Event Date: 
February 27, 2020 - 2:30pm to 3:20pm
Location: 
105 MLH
Calendar Category: 
Seminar
Seminar Category: 
Geometry and Topology