Topological aspects of the Jacobian conjecture

T. Asanuma
Abstract
Let T = (f, g) : C2 ---> C2 be a polynomial map in two variables over the field of complex numbers C such that the Jacobian of f=f(x,y) and g =g(x,y) in C[x,y] is a nonzero constant. The conjecture asserts that C[x,y]=C[f,g]. To prove the conjecture, it is enough to show that T is injective. In this talk we discuss some topological property of a surface defined by any counter example to this conjecture, if it exists. We call the map T ``standard'' if the highest degree term of f is yn for some n > 0 and C(t , f, g)=C(x, y), where t= y/x. Precisely, we show the following: ``There is a polynomial automorphism U of C2 such that TU is standard.'' A point P=(p: q: 0) at infinity of the complex projective 2-space P2 is said to be ``quasifinite'' if there is an infinite sequence {Pi} of points in C2 (subset of P2) which converges to P such that the image {T(Pi)} converges to a point in C2. Then we have the following:
  • The conjecture holds if and only if there is no quasifinite point.
  • If P is a quasifinite point, then P=(1:0:0) in case T is standard.
  • We also consider a homotopy type obstacle which occurs by the existence of such a quasifinite point.