Gaussian scrolls, Gaussian flags and duality (Q6597472)

Let \(X\subset \mathbb P^N\) be an irreducible projective variety of dimension \(n\) over the complex field. The Gauss map \(\gamma_X: X_{sm} \rightarrow \mathbb G(n,N)\) assigns to a smooth point \(x\in X\) its embedded tangent space \(\tilde T_xX\subset \mathbb P^N\). If \(X\) is smooth, \(\gamma_X\) is a finite birational map: this was proved by \textit{F. L. Zak} [Funct. Anal. Appl. 21, No. 1--3, 32--41 (1987; Zbl 0623.14026); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 21, No. 1, 39--50 (1987)]. But there are classes of examples of singular varieties such that \(\gamma_X\) is not generically finite, for instance cones, tangent developables, joins. These are called Gauss-deficient varieties, the Gauss deficiency being the integer number \(k=n-\dim \gamma_X(X)\), i.e. the dimension of the general fibre of the Gauss map. Since these fibres are known to be open subsets of linear spaces, Gauss-deficient varieties result to be singular scrolls. Singular scrolls whose tangent spaces are constant on the rulings are called stationary scrolls, and those arising from Gauss maps are called Gaussian scrolls.\N\NIn the article under review, the author aims to introduce a new viewpoint on Gauss deficient varieties, that he calls ``scroll-centric'', trying to clarify and extend previous results of Griffiths-Harris, Piontkowski, Akivis-Goldberg-Landsberg, Mezzetti-Tommasi. To any stationary scroll \(X_B\), associated to a \(\mathbb P^k\)-bundle with base \(B\), it is associated a derived scroll \(X_B^{(1)}\) corresponding to the map \(\bar\gamma_{X_B}: B\to \mathbb G(n,N)\). Also \(X^{(1)}_B\) is stationary, so one can repeat this procedure. In this way the author constructs the osculating flag of scrolls \(X_B^{(\bullet)}\) associated to \(X_B\). He also defines the dual flag \((X_B^{(\bullet)} )^{\perp}\) and the antiderived or leading edge scroll \(X_B^{(-1)}:=X_B^{\perp(1)\perp}\subset X_B\). This gives rise to the anti-osculating flag of \(X_B\).\par The main result of the article is a theorem of duality (Theorem 17) asserting that if \(X_B^{(\bullet)}\) is a Gaussian flag of scrolls that are nondegenerate and not cones, then \(X_B^{(\bullet)\perp}\) is a Gaussian flag and its linear dual is \(X_B^{(\bullet)}\). Several interesting consequences of this theorem are stated. Another remarkable result (Theorem 35) is a characterization of stationary scrolls of dimension \(n\) and Gauss dimension \(g\) with \(g(g+1)\leq n\).