Self-linked curves and normal bundle (Q401016)

This paper focuses on smooth, integral curves in \(\mathbb P^3\). In the more general setting of equidimensional, one-dimensional subschemes of \(\mathbb P^3\), we say that two curves, \(C\) and \(C'\), are \textit{directly linked} if there is a complete intersection \(X\) such that \(I_X : I_C = I_{C'}\). A curve \(C\) is \textit{self-linked} if there is an \(X\) for which \(C' = C\) in the previous definition. Returning to the smooth, integral case, the property that \(C\) is self-linked is related to the existence of two surfaces tangent along \(C\), whose intersection is supported on \(C\). This paper continues the study of self-linked curves, following work of \textit{A. P. Rao} [Duke Math. J. 49, 251--273 (1982; Zbl 0499.14014)], of \textit{R. Hartshorne} and \textit{C. Polini} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 367, No. 9, 6357--6385 (2015; Zbl 1319.14009)], and others. Note that if \(C\) is self-linked then it is a set-theoretic complete intersection, but the converse does not hold. The test case that motivated this paper was a question of Hartshorne and Polini, namely whether a smooth, integral curve of degree 8 and genus 3 is self-linked. The property of self-linkage is related to the normal bundle of the curve, \(N_C\). By utilizing this connection, the author derives necessary conditions for a curve to be self-linked, culminating in his main theorem that for a curve \(C\) of degree \(d \geq 5\) not lying on a quadric, if \(C\) is self-linked by a complete intersection of type \((a,b)\) then either (i) \((d,g) = (6,3)\) and \((a,b) = (3,4)\), or (ii) \(g \geq 4\) and \(4g \geq d(a+b-7) +12\). This theorem provides a negative answer to the test case. Note that when \(C\) is self-linked, the complete intersection \(X\) has a double structure on \(C\). The author also studies triple structures in an analogous way.