Topological properties of caustics in five-dimensional spaces (Q6927367)

The study of topological invariants of caustics -- the singular sets of Lagrangian maps -- constitutes a classical direction in singularity theory, originating from the work of V.I. Arnold and his school. For caustics in low-dimensional spaces (\(n \leq 4\)), a number of universal parity relations between the numbers of isolated singularities of higher types are known. The relevance of the present work lies in its systematic advancement into the five-dimensional case (\(n=5\)), where the list and structure of possible singularities become significantly more complex. The novelty of the work is demonstrated by the derivation of the first complete set of universal linear relations (including new parity conditions) between the Euler characteristics of multisingularity manifolds for a generic Lagrangian map into a five-dimensional space.\N\NThe primary tool employed is the apparatus of equivariant degree theory for Lagrangian maps, previously developed by the author. A key element is the construction of a homomorphism \(J\) on the semigroup algebra of singularity types, which enables expressing the Euler characteristics of odd-codimension singularity manifolds in terms of those of even codimension. To solve the resulting complex system of linear equations, the author employs computer-assisted computations. This computational approach constitutes the principal methodological innovation of the work.\N\NThe central result is Theorem 1, which provides an explicit list of universal linear relations between the Euler characteristics of multisingularity manifolds. From these, new topological constraints on the isolated singularities of compact caustics are derived (Theorem 3). It is established that for a generic caustic in a five-dimensional space, the following integers are even:\N\[\ND_5A_2, \quad A_4A_3, \; A_4A_2^2, \; D_4^{+}A_3 + D_4^{-}A_3 + E_6, \; D_4^{+}A_2^2 + D_4^{-}A_2^2 + \frac{1}{2}A_4A_3.\N\]\NThese results generalize and complement the previously known parity theorems of \textit{V. A. Vasil'ev} for singularities of types \(A_6\), \(E_6\), and \(D_6^{\pm}\) [Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 15, No. 3, 10--22 (1981; Zbl 0493.57008)]. The work represents a significant contribution to the theory of Lagrangian singularities.\N\NThe results are fundamental in nature, revealing deep connections between symmetry, topology, and the combinatorics of singularities. The proposed computational algorithm paves the way for similar investigations in higher-dimensional spaces. The article will be of interest to specialists in singularity theory, symplectic topology, and mathematical physics.