Extra-twisted connected sum \(G_2\)-manifolds (Q6100767)

The author modifies the ``twisted connected sum construction'' by \textit{A. Kovalev} [J. Reine Angew. Math. 565, 125--160 (2003; Zbl 1043.53041)], used to construct closed 7-dimensional Riemannian 7-manifolds with holonomy \(G_2\). His modification maintains many of the attractive features of the original construction, but the topology of his results is less restrictive. The author applies his modification to produce examples of extra-twisted connected sums, and selects 50 good examples that illustrate some interesting phenomena. More precisely, he exhibits a selection of 50 explicit examples of \(7\)-manifolds with holonomy \(G_2\) obtained from the new construction. The ultimate goal is to present a construction of closed \(7\)-manifolds with holonomy \(G_2\), which generalises Kovalev's twisted connected sums by taking quotients of the pieces in the construction before gluing. This allows him to realize a wider range of topological types.