Topologically invariant Chern numbers of projective varieties (Q655378)

The author proves the following main results: \textbf{Theorem 1} A rational linear combination of Chern numbers is an oriented diffeomorphism invariant of smooth complex projective varieties if and only if it is a linear combination of the Euler and Pontryagin numbers. \textbf{Theorem 2.} In the case of complex dimension \(\geq 3\), a rational linear combination of Chern numbers is a diffeomorphism invariant of smooth complex projective varieties if and only if it is a multiple of the Euler number. In the case of complex dimension 2, both Chern numbers \(c_2\) and \(c_1^2\) are diffeomorphism invariants of complex projective surfaces. Replacing diffeomorphism by homeomorphism, the author shows that \textbf{Theorem 3.} A rational combination of Chern numbers is a homeomorphism invariant of smooth complex projective varieties if and only if it is a multiple of the Euler number. These results solve a long-time problem posed by Hirzebruch. In addition, the author also determine the linear combination of Chern numbers that can be bounded in terms of Betti numbers.