Non-commutative Donaldson-Thomas invariants and the conifold (Q929207)

For a quiver algebra \(A\) with relations given by a superpotential, the author defines a set of invariants of \(A\) counting framed cyclic \(A\)-modules. In the special case when \(A\) is the non-commutative crepant resolution of the \(3\)-fold ordinary double point, it is proved by using localization that the invariants count infinite dimer configurations in the square dimer model with a fixed boundary condition. The resulting partition function admits an infinite product expansion, which factorizes into the rank-\(1\) Donaldson-Thomas partition functions of the commutative crepant resolution of the singularity and its flop. In section one, basic definitions such as quiver algebras and superpotentials are reviewed. It is shown that the moduli space of framed cyclic modules over these quiver algebras admits a perfect obstruction theory. This allows the author to define new invariants, using K. Behrend's weighted Euler characteristics. In section two, the invariants and generating functions for the non-commutative conifold are studied. Based on torus actions and localizations, the computations are reduced to combinatorics and dimer configurations. In section three, the author discusses possible interpretations, speculations and generalizations. They include the space of \textit{T. Bridgeland}'s stability conditions of a variant of the derived category of coherent sheaves [Ann. Math. (2) 166, No. 2, 317--345 (2007; Zbl 1137.18008)] and the wall-crossing phenomena inside this space.