Compactifications of contractible affine 3-folds into smooth Fano 3-folds with \(B_2=2\) (Q2575657)

The paper contributes to the following classification problem: Let \(V\) be a smooth compact complex Fano threefold and \(D\subset V\) a holomorphic divisor such that \(X:=V\backslash D\) is a contractible affine algebraic threefold. Determine all possibilities for \(X\), \(D\) and \(V\). For \(D\) irreducible, i.e. \(b_2(V)=1\), and \(X=\mathbb C^3\), the complete list was given in 1993 by \textit{M. Furushima} [Math. Ann. 297, No. 4, 627--662 (1993; Zbl 0788.32022)], cf. also \textit{T. Peternell} and \textit{M. Schneider} [Math. Ann. 280, No. 1, 129--146 (1988; Zbl 0651.14025)]. The author points out that the condition \(b_2(V)=1\) already implies \(X=\mathbb C^3\). The main result of the paper under review is a complete solution of the classification problem under the assumption \(b_2(V)=2\), \(D=D_1\cup D_2\), and the line bundle \(K_V+D_1+D_2\) is not nef. The author presents a list of all possibilities and distinguishes 24 different cases. In general the affine threefold \(X\) is isomorphic to \(\mathbb C^3\) but in some cases \(X\) is only diffeomorphic to \(\mathbb C^3\). The proof is essentially based on Mori theory and in particular on the classification of Fano threefolds with second Betti number at least two, given by \textit{S. Mori} and \textit{S. Mukai} [Manuscr. Math. 36, 147--162 (1981); erratum ibid. 110, 407 (2003; Zbl 0478.14033), see also Proc. Symp., Tokyo 1981, Adv. Stud. Pure Math. 1, 101--129 (1983; Zbl 0537.14026)].