Symplectization

Abstract: A symplectic manifold W with contact type boundary M=∂W induces a linearization of the contact homology of M with corresponding linearized contact homology HC(M). We establish a Gysin-type exact sequence in which the symplectic homology SH(W) of W maps to HC(M), which in turn maps to HC(M), by a map of degree -2, which then maps to SH(W). Furthermore, we give a description of the degree -2 map in terms of rational holomorphic curves with constrained asymptotic markers, in the symplectization of M.

Abstract: We construct a version of rational Symplectic Field Theory for pairs $(X,L)$, where $X$ is an exact symplectic manifold, where $L\subset X$ is an exact Lagrangian submanifold with components subdivided into $k$ subsets, and where both $X$ and $L$ have cylindrical ends. The theory associates to $(X,L)$ a $\Z$-graded chain complex of vector spaces over $\Z_2$, filtered with $k$ filtration levels. The corresponding $k$-level spectral sequence is invariant under deformations of $(X,L)$ and has the following property: if $(X,L)$ is obtained by joining a negative end of a pair $(X',L')$ to a positive end of a pair $(X'',L'')$, then there are natural morphisms from the spectral sequences of $(X',L')$ and of $(X'',L'')$ to the spectral sequence of $(X,L)$. As an application, we show that if $\Lambda\subset Y$ is a Legendrian submanifold of a contact manifold then the spectral sequences associated to $(Y\times\R,\Lambda_k^s\times\R)$, where $Y\times\R$ is the symplectization of $Y$ and where $\Lambda_k^s\subset Y$ is the Legendrian submanifold consisting of $s$ parallel copies of $\Lambda$ subdivided into $k$ subsets, give Legendrian isotopy invariants of $\Lambda$.

Abstract: Since the 1970s contact geometry has been recognized as an appropriate framework for the geometric formulation of the state properties of thermodynamic systems, without, however, addressing the formulation of non-equilibrium thermodynamic processes. In Balian & Valentin (2001) it was shown how the symplectization of contact manifolds provides a new vantage point; enabling, among others, to switch between the energy and entropy representations of a thermodynamic system. In the present paper this is continued towards the global geometric definition of a degenerate Riemannian metric on the homogeneous Lagrangian submanifold describing the state properties, which is overarching the locally defined metrics of Weinhold and Ruppeiner. Next, a geometric formulation is given of non-equilibrium thermodynamic processes, in terms of Hamiltonian dynamics defined by Hamiltonian functions that are homogeneous of degree one in the co-extensive variables and zero on the homogeneous Lagrangian submanifold. The correspondence between objects in contact geometry and their homogeneous counterparts in symplectic geometry, as already largely present in the literature, appears to be elegant and effective. This culminates in the definition of port-thermodynamic systems, and the formulation of interconnection ports. The resulting geometric framework is illustrated on a number of simple examples, already indicating its potential for analysis and control.

Abstract: It is well-known that all problems of Contact geometry can be reformulated as problems of Symplectic geometry. This can be done via symplectization (see 2.1 below). In particular, the problem of Lagrangian intersections naturally arises in connection with several contact geometric questions (see 2.5 example, and below). However, there is one major difficulty when one tries to realize this approach: the symplectizations of contact manifolds are noncompact and, what is even worse, non-convex (see [EGr1]). This leads to the loss of compactness for the spaces of holomorphic curves and thus creates serious difficulties for the traditional Floer homology approach. The goal of this paper is to show that this problem can be successfully overcome by using an idea from [H].