Embedding nonisolated singularities into isolated singularities (Q4400903)

This paper answers positively a question raised by Malgrange, whether it is possible to embed the Milnor fibre of a non-isolated singular function germ \(f\) into the Milnor fibre of some isolated singularity \(g\). If \(f\) is defined on a singular germ \(X\) and the dimension of the singular locus (with respect to a given stratification of \(X\)) is \(k\) then \(g\) can be taken in the form \(g=f+\varepsilon_1x_1^{N_1}+\cdots+\varepsilon_kx_k^{N_k}\) for general coordinate functions and large enough \(N_i\). The construction proceeds by induction on \(k\) and uses the description of the Milnor fibre based on the polar curve with respect to a general linear function. The construction gives an embedding of the monodromy fibration. As a corollary in the case \(k=1\) precise results are obtained on the homotopy type of the Milnor fibre of \(f_N:=f+\varepsilon x^N\) in terms of attaching cell to the Milnor fibre of \(f\). Also formulas for the zeta-function of the monodromy are given. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0890.00033].