Homotopical smallness and closeness (Q624397)

A space \(X\) is (weakly) homotopically Hausdorff if for every \(x_0\in X\) and non-trivial \(\gamma\in\pi_1(X,x_0)\), there is a neighborhood \(U\) of \(x_0\) so that no loop in \(U\) is homotopic to \(\gamma\) rel \(x_0\). Other notions are strong homotopically Hausdorff and homotopically Hausdorff. If \(X\) is path connected, and contains no non-trivial pointed small loop, then \(X\) is homotopically Hausdorff. A loop is small if and only if there exists a representative of the loop in \(\pi_1(X,x_0)\) which lies in any open neighborhood \(U\) of \(x_0\). The relationship between these concepts is examined in this paper. Perhaps the most interesting part of the present paper are the examples such as the Sydney Opera space and the harmonic vase. The author also examines whether certain fundamental groups may be realized when one imposes various conditions on the space. One should note that \(PX\) is the universal Peano space, not the paths. If \(X\) is the Warsaw circle, \(PX\) is a half open interval.