Infinitesimal deformations of cusp singularities (Q5903107)

Let (X,0) be a two-dimensional cusp singularity, i.e. a singularity for which the reduced exceptional divisor C in a minimal resolution \(\tilde X\to X\) is a cycle of - say r - rational curves. It is shown that for \(C\cdot C\leq -5\) the dimension of the Zariski tangent space to the base of the semi-universal deformation equals r-C\(\cdot C\). The proof involves calculations with C and \(\tilde X\) with similar techniques as in the paper of \textit{K. Behnke} [Math. Ann. 265, 407-422 (1983; Zbl 0559.14001)], where this formula had been conjectured. A different proof - using the ''quotient-construction'' of X with Hilbert modular groups - was given by \textit{K. Behnke} [Math. Ann. 271, 133-142 (1985; Zbl 0586.14002)].