On linear systems of \(\mathbb P^3\) with nine base points (Q325940)

Interpolation problems for homogeneous polynomials (forms) over points with given multiplicities are object of many recent deep investigations. Yet, basic properties of the structure of interpolating linear systems are still unknown. Even for ternary forms (which correspond to plane curves), the fundamental Segre's conjecture, which suggests the existence of a base locus for special interpolating systems, is open. For quaternary forms (corresponding to space surfaces), even less is known. There are (weaker) extensions of Segre's conjecture, which suggest that the speciality of some interpolating systems should depend on the existence of \textit{special effect varieties} through the interpolating points, which force a base locus. The authors extend to some new initial case our knowledge on the behaviour of special linear systems of quaternary forms. They produce a characterization of special systems of degree \(2m\) and \(2m+1\), with \(8\) interpolating points of multiplicity \(m\) and one extra interpolating point of multiplicity \(a\leq m\) (quasi-homogeneous case). The special effect varieties that appear in these cases are quadric surfaces. The characterization produces, as a consequence, the proof of the Laface-Ugaglia conjecture on the structure of special Cremona-reduced systems, when the number of interpolating points is up to \(9\) and the multiplicities are \(\leq 8\).