Scrolls containing binary curves (Q777172)

Let \(\Gamma \subset \mathbb P^n\) be a rational normal curve containing a given set \(S\) of \(n+2\) points in linear general position. The family of rational normal scrolls of dimension \(d\) in \(\mathbb P^n\), including the birational images of the projective bundles \(\mathbb P\big(\oplus_{i=1}^d \mathcal O_{\mathbb P^1}(a_i)\big)\), is investigated in connection with the condition of containing \(\Gamma\). On the one hand, for \(n\) even and a given multidegree \(\underline{a}=(a_1, \dots, a_d)\) (\(\sum a_i = n-d+1\)), the family of scrolls of dimension \(d=\frac{n}{2}\) containing \(\Gamma\) and such that the induced map \(\Gamma \to \mathbb P^1\) has a given degree \(k\) is studied, its dimension is computed, and a bound is provided for the dimension of the intersection of two such families corresponding to distinct values of \(k\). On the other hand, the family of rational normal curves of \(\mathbb P^n\) passing through \(S\) and contained in a fixed scroll of dimension \(d\) is studied, and a bound for its dimension is obtained. Moreover, it is shown that if such family contains more than a single curve, then its dimension is strictly positive. Finally, an application is given. A general binary curve \(C \subset \mathbb P^n\) is the union of two general rational normal curves intersecting transversely at \(n+2\) distinct points in general position. As a consequence of the previous results, the author proves that if \(C\) is a general binary curve in \(\mathbb P^n\), then there is no rational normal scroll of minimal degree and dimension \(\leq \frac{n}{2}\) containing \(C\).