Speaker:  Carly Klivans, University of Chicago
Title:   A Geometric Interpretation of the Characteristic Polynomial of Reflection Arrangements
Time: 2:30 PM, Monday, August 31, 2009
Place:  Malott 206

Abstract:  I will consider projections of points in R^n onto fundamental chambers of finite real reflection groups.  The main result shows that for groups of type A_n, B_n, and D_n, the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of the reflection arrangement are proportional to the spherical volumes of the sets of points that are projected onto faces of a given dimension.  I will also provide strong evidence that the same connection holds for the exceptional, and thus all, reflection groups.

This is joint work with Mathias Drton.

October 1, 2009