Comparison theorems for Gromov-Witten invariants of smooth pairs and of degenerations (Q486812)

Four existing approaches to the relative Gromov-Witten theory are studied in the paper under review: 1) Expanded degeneration due to \textit{J. Li} [J. Differ. Geom. 60, No. 2, 199--293 (2002; Zbl 1063.14069)] (\(\mathsf{Li}\)), 2) Logarithmic expansions due to \textit{B. Kim} [Adv. Stud. Pure Math. 59, 167--200 (2010; Zbl 1216.14023)] (\(\mathsf{Kim}\)), Orbifold expansions due to \textit{D. Abramovich}-\textit{B. Fantechi} [``Orbifold techniques in degeneration formulas'', preprint, \url{arXiv:1103.5132}] (\(\mathsf{AF}\)), 4) Logarithmic theory with no expansions due to \textit{D. Abramovich} and \textit{Q. Chen} [Asian J. Math. 18, No. 3, 465--488 (2014; Zbl 1321.14025)] and \textit{M. Gross} and \textit{B. Siebert} [J. Am. Math. Soc. 26, No. 2, 451--510 (2013; Zbl 1281.14044)] (\(\mathsf{AGCS}\)). In each case we have used the symbol in the parentheses to denote the moduli spaces of the corresponding relevant relative Gromov-Witten theory (including the Gromov-Witten theories of smooth pairs and the Gromov-Witten theories of degenerations). The main result of the paper under review proves that there exists proper morphisms \(\Psi:\mathsf{AF}\to \mathsf{Li}\), \(\Theta:\mathsf{Kim}\to \mathsf{Li}\), and \(\Gamma:\mathsf{Kim}\to \mathsf{AGSC}\), under each of which, the push forward of the virtual cycle of the domain moduli space is equal to the virtual cycle of the target moduli space. An important direct corollary of this result is that the primary and descendant Gromov-Witten invariants associated to all these theories are identical. The proof of the main result is based on Costello's comparison theorem and the obstruction theory formalism of the last author of the paper under review.