Inflection point
An inflection point is a point on a curve where the curvature changes sign. In other words, it is a point at which the curve transitions from being concave (curved upwards) to convex (curved downwards), or vice versa. This concept is crucial in calculus and helps in understanding the behavior of functions. In mathematical terms, for a function \( f(x) \): 1. The second derivative \( f''(x) \) exists at the point of interest.
Instanton
In theoretical physics, an instanton is a type of solution to certain field equations in quantum field theory, particularly in non-abelian gauge theories and in the context of quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Instantons represent non-perturbative effects and are typically associated with tunneling phenomena in a semi-classical approximation of quantum fields.
Integral curve
An integral curve is a concept from differential equations and dynamical systems that refers to a curve in the phase space of a system along which the system evolves over time. More specifically, it represents the solutions to a differential equation for given initial conditions.
Integration along fibers
Integration along fibers is a concept often discussed in the context of differential geometry and fiber bundles. It typically refers to the process of integrating functions defined over fibers of a fiber bundle over a parameter space.
Invariant differential operator
An invariant differential operator is a differential operator that commutes with the action of a group of transformations, meaning it behaves nicely under the transformations specified by the group.
Inverse mean curvature flow
Inverse mean curvature flow (IMCF) is a geometric flow that generalizes the concept of mean curvature flow, where instead of evolving a surface in the direction of its mean curvature, one evolves the surface in the opposite direction, that is, against the mean curvature. Mean curvature flow typically describes how a submanifold evolves over time under the influence of curvature, often leading to the minimization of surface area.
Involute
The term "involute" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few key definitions: 1. **In Geometry**: An involute of a curve is a type of curve that is derived from the original curve.
Isothermal coordinates
Isothermal coordinates refer to a specific type of coordinate system used in differential geometry, particularly in the study of surfaces and Riemannian manifolds. These coordinates are characterized by their property that the metric induced on the surface can be expressed in a particularly simple form.
Isotropic manifold
An isotropic manifold is a mathematical concept primarily found in the field of differential geometry. More specifically, isotropic manifolds often relate to the study of Riemannian manifolds or pseudo-Riemannian manifolds with special properties regarding distances and angles. In general, a manifold is considered to be isotropic if its geometry is invariant under transformations that preserve angles and distances in some sense, meaning that the curvature properties of the manifold do not depend on the direction.
Iwasawa manifold
The Iwasawa manifold is a specific type of complex manifold that can be defined as a quotient of complex space.
Jet (mathematics)
In mathematics, particularly in the field of algebraic geometry, a "jet" is a concept used to formalize the idea of "approximating" a function or a geometric object by polynomials or smooth functions. The term is most commonly associated with "jets" of functions, which capture information about a function not only at a point but also its derivatives up to a certain order at that point.
K-noid
K-noid is a term that may refer to specific concepts or topics depending on the context, but it is not widely recognized in mainstream discourse or academic literature. However, it is possible that "K-noid" could pertain to a niche subject such as blockchain technology, programming, a concept in a game, or something else entirely.
K-stability
K-stability is a concept in algebraic geometry and complex geometry that relates to the stability of certain geometric objects, particularly projective varieties and Fano varieties, under the action of the automorphism group of these varieties. The notion arises in the context of the minimal model program and plays a significant role in understanding the geometry and deformation theory of varieties.
K3 surface
A K3 surface is a special type of complex smooth algebraic surface, characterized by several important properties. Here are the key features: 1. **Dimension and Arithmetic**: A K3 surface is a two-dimensional complex manifold (or algebraic surface) with a trivial canonical bundle, meaning that it has a vanishing first Chern class (\(c_1 = 0\)). This implies that its canonical divisor is numerically trivial.
Kenmotsu manifold
The Kenmotsu manifold is a specific type of Riemannian manifold known in the context of differential geometry. It is characterized by having certain curvature properties and is considered in the study of submanifolds and their embeddings. To be more precise, a Kenmotsu manifold is a type of 3-dimensional (or higher-dimensional) contact metric manifold that satisfies certain conditions relating to its contact structure and the metric.
Klein geometry
Klein geometry refers to a branch of geometry that focuses on the study of geometric objects and their properties through the lens of symmetry and transformations. It takes its name from the mathematician Felix Klein, who made significant contributions to the understanding of geometry through the concept of transformations and the idea of geometry as the study of properties invariant under transformations. Klein geometry is often associated with the formulation of the Erlangen Program, which Klein proposed in 1872.
Kronheimer–Mrowka basic class
The Kronheimer–Mrowka basic class is a concept from the study of four-dimensional manifolds, particularly in the context of gauge theory and algebraic topology. It arises in the work of Peter Kronheimer and Tomasz Mrowka, particularly in their development of a theoretical framework for studying the topology of four-manifolds through the lens of gauge theory, specifically using the Seiberg-Witten invariants.
Kulkarni–Nomizu product
The Kulkarni–Nomizu product is a mathematical operation used in the context of differential geometry, particularly for constructing new geometric structures on manifolds. Specifically, it is a way to combine two Riemannian manifolds using their cotangent bundles to create a new manifold, often involving the introduction of a new metric.
Kähler identities
Kähler identities are mathematical relations that arise in the context of differential geometry and mathematical physics, particularly in the study of Kähler manifolds and their associated structures. They typically relate to the properties of symplectic forms, metrics, and complex structures on these manifolds.
Kähler–Einstein metric
A Kähler-Einstein metric is a special type of Riemannian metric that arises in differential geometry and algebraic geometry. It is associated with Kähler manifolds, which are a class of complex manifolds with a compatible symplectic structure. A Kähler manifold is a complex manifold \( (M, J) \) equipped with a Kähler metric \( g \), which is a Riemannian metric that is both Hermitian and symplectic.