On maps with unstable singularities (Q1601650)

Let \(X\) be a compact \(n\)-polyhedron and \(Q\) a PL \(m\)-manifold. A map \(f: X\rightarrow Q\) is called realizable or discretely realizable if it can be \(\epsilon\)-approximated by embeddings \(f_\epsilon :X \rightarrow Q\) for each \(\epsilon > 0\). \(f\) is isotopically realizable if \(f\) and \(f_\epsilon\) can be related by pseudo-isotopy [\textit{W. Holsztyński}, Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 27, 598-602 (1971; Zbl 0211.26501)]. Furthermore, \(f:X \rightarrow Q\) is called continuously realizable if for each \(\epsilon > 0\) there exists a \(\delta >0\) such that each embedding \(g_\delta :X\rightarrow Q\) which is \(\delta\)-close to \(f\) can be taken onto \(f\) by an \(\epsilon\)-pseudo-isotopy. Clearly, if \(f:X\rightarrow Q\) is continuously realizable, then it is isotopically realizable. The paper also treats the fourth notion of realizability called concordant realizability. The author treats the question when does discrete realizability imply isotopic realizability? The proof of the obtained result is done via continuous realizability. The main results on this line are the following: If \(f:X \rightarrow Q\) is discretely realizable, then it is isotopicaly realizable if (1) \(m > 2n, (m,n)\) different from \((1,3)\); (2) \(m > 3(n+1)/2\) and \(\Delta(f) = \{(x,y) \mid f(x) = f(y)\}\) has a \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-equivariant mapping cylinder neighbourhood in \(X\times X\); (3) \(m > n + 2\) and \(f\) is the composition of a PL map and a topological embedding. For \((m,n) = (3,6)\) a map discretely realizable may not be isotopically realizable. The paper contains a series of examples illustrating different relations between the treated notions of realizability. Furthermore, there are results in the smooth category when \(X,Q\), and \(f\) belong to that category. Also, one can find a series of results related to this topic.