Systems of plane curves with prescribed singularities: The case of multiplicities less than or equal to four (Q1579727)

Given \(r\) distinct generic points in the plane and positive integers \(m_1\geq\dots \geq m_r\), the Harbourne-Hirschowitz conjecture states that the conditions imposed on the plane algebraic curves of degree \(d\) by passing through the given points with multiplicities \(m_1,\dots ,m_r\) respectively are independent, provided that \(d\geq m_1+m_2+m_3\) and the number of conditions does not exceed \((d_1)(d_2)/2\). The author proves this conjecture for \(m_1\leq 4\). The argument is based on the differential Horace method developed by \textit{J. Alexander} and \textit{A. Hirschowitz} [Invent. Math. 140, 303-325 (2000; Zbl 0973.14026)], which is an inductive procedure diminishing the degree of curves and multiplicities of the given points. The base of induction consists in a thorough study of curves of small degrees.