The Toda equations and the Gromov-Witten theory of the Riemann sphere (Q1592420)

This paper studies the (higher genus) Gromov-Witten theory of the Riemann sphere \(\mathbb P^1\). The basic idea is to use the Toda equations to derive explicit expressions for (some) higher genus Gromov-Witten invariants on \(\mathbb P^1\). The Toda equations are certain differential equations for the Gromov-Witten potential, derived from so-called matrix models. They are very strong and allow to compute the Gromov-Witten potential from its degree zero part. They are thus stronger than the Virasoro constraints. In this paper a proof of these equations in genus zero and one is explained, but in case of higher genus they remain conjectural. This means the explicit values for some Gromov-Witten invariants on \(\mathbb P^1\) given in this paper, form now (strongly supported) conjectures. The derivation of the equations is very brief so that the non-specialist reader has to consult previous papers written in this context, but the basic ideas become clearly visible in this way.