Topological equivalence of linear representations for cyclic groups. I (Q2388268)

This paper completes a programme initiated by \textit{G. de Rham} [Rec. Math. Moscou, N. Ser. 1, 737--743 (1936; Zbl 0016.04501, JFM 62.0662.04)] investigating the role Reidemeister torsion invariants play in determining nonlinear similarities between representations of a finite cyclic group \(G\). Two finite dimensional real orthogonal representations, \(V\) and \(V'\), of \(G\) are said to be topologically equivalent if there is a \(G\)-equivariant homeomorphism between them. This may happen without \(V\) and \(V'\) being linearly isomorphic, in which case the homeomorphism is called a nonlinear similarity. The results contained in the paper are numerous and intricate, but their essence is captured by the first theorem stated, which says that the existence of a nonlinear similarity is determined by certain congruences in the weights of the free summands of \(V\) and \(V'\), and the ratio of their Reidemeister torsions, up to an algebraically described indeterminacy.