Intersection homology duality and pairings: singular, PL and sheaf-theoretic (Q2070090)

Let \(X\) be a pseudomanifold. \textit{M. Goresky} and \textit{R. MacPherson} [Topology 19, 135--165 (1980; Zbl 0448.55004); Invent. Math. 72, 77--129 (1983; Zbl 0529.55007)] constructed a family of groups, called intersection (co)homology, indexed by perversities, for which a version of Poincaré duality can be formulated. The present paper compares two approaches: the first one based on the study of singular or piecewise-linear intersection forms, and the second one applying general sheaf-theoretic methods. Although it was believed that these two approaches are equivalent, the precise references were lacking. The following results are proven: \begin{itemize} \item the singular cup product (studied in [\textit{G. Friedman} and \textit{J. E. McClure}, Adv. Math. 240, 383--426 (2013; Zbl 1280.55003)]) and sheaf theoretic cup product agree, \item comparison theorem with differential form interpretation [\textit{J. P. Brasselet} et al., Ann. Global Anal. Geom. 9, No. 3, 211--243 (1991; Zbl 0733.57010)], \item comparison with Verdier duality. \end{itemize} Besides classical perversities there are considered generalized perversities, and sometimes coefficients in a Dedekind domain are allowed, at the cost of some restrictions on \(X\). As a byproduct, comparison theorems are obtained for homology manifolds and usual cohomology.