Axioms for the coincidence index of maps between manifolds of the same dimension (Q694673)

The authors extend coincidence theory for two maps between two closed manifolds of the same dimension using an axiomatic viewpoint based on the local coincidence index. Let us quote the abstract: ``First we look at coincidences of maps between manifolds where one of the maps is orientation true, and give a set of axioms that characterizes the local index (which is an integer valued function). Then we consider coincidence theory for arbitrary pairs of maps between two manifolds. Similarly we provide a set of axioms which characterize the local index, which in this case is a function with values in \( \mathbb{Z} \oplus \mathbb{Z}_2\). We also show in each setting that the group of values for the index (either \(\mathbb{Z}\) or \(\mathbb{Z} \oplus \mathbb{Z}_2\)) is determined by the axioms. Finally, for the general case of coincidence theory for arbitrary pairs of maps between two manifolds we provide a set of axioms which characterize the local Reidemeister trace which is an element of an abelian group which depends on the pair of functions. These results extend known results for coincidences between orientable differentiable manifolds.'' The method is to give axioms for a local index function on neighborhoods of coincidence points. The function \(\iota: \mathcal{C} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}\) where \(\iota (f,g,U,\mathbb{O})\) is a real number and \(f\) and \(g\) are two local functions \(M \supset U \rightarrow N\) where \(U\) is an open set containing some coincidence points, and \(\mathbb{O}\) is what the authors call a \(g\)-coherent orientation. The function \(\iota\) satisfies an additivity axiom, a homotopy axiom, and a normalization axiom: \(1= \iota (c,g,U,\mathbb{O}) = (-1)^n \iota (g,c,U,\mathbb{O})\), where \(n\) is the dimension of \(M\) and \(N\). With these axioms, there exists only one such function \(\iota\) and it takes on integer values and is unique. This improves the work in [\textit{P. C. Staeker}, Topology Appl. 154, No. 9, 1961--1970 (2007; Zbl 1118.55003)]. The differentiable condition is eliminated and the orientable hypotheses are dropped by giving new meanings for \( \mathbb{O}\). This is impressive work.