Smooth and irreducible multigraded Hilbert schemes (Q2268612)

Let \(R = \mathbb{Z}[x,y]\) denote the ring of polynomials in \(x\) and \(y\) with integer coefficients and fix a grading by some abelian group \(A\). The main result of this paper establishes the smoothness and irreducibility of the multigraded Hilbert scheme parametrizing those ideals of \(R\) with a given Hilbert function. The paper's generality is remarkable on two fronts: one is that the polynomial ring only assumes integer coefficients, which implies that the theorem extends to schemes over any fixed scheme via change of base; the other is that the the group \(A\) is permitted to be any abelian group, even one with non-zero torsion. As is pointed out in the paper, the major restriction is the use of two variables, which is essential. Indeed it is known that in general multigraded Hilbert schemes may fail to even be connected and can be highly non-singular. The proof is broken down into several steps. The fundamental idea is to connect any point on the Hilbert scheme to a distinguished point and show that the tangent space to any point along the connecting path has constant dimension. The paper is well written with thorough proofs. The authors do an excellent job of bringing the reader up to the current state of knowledge on relevant issues concerning the multigraded Hilbert scheme.