Coincidence theory for infra-nilmanifolds (Q975231)

Given a selfmap \(f: M\to M\), the Nielsen number \(N(f)\) and the Lefschetz number \(L(f)\) of \(f\) are the main invariants in Nielsen fixed point theory. The Lefschetz number \(L(f)\) provides information about the existence of a fixed point of \(f\), while the Nielsen number \(N(f)\) gives a lower bound for the number of fixed points of \(f\). In general, it is difficult to know the value of \(N(f)\), but the Lefschetz number is relatively easy to compute. Thus, it is a natural idea to compare these two invariants. If \(M\) is a torus, it is easy to check from the definition that \(|L(f)|=N(f)\). \textit{D. Anosov} proved that such an equality is true for all selfmaps on nilmanifolds [Russ. Math. Surv. 40, No.4, 149-150 (1985); translation from Usp. Mat. Nauk 40, No.4 (244), 133--134 (1985; Zbl 0594.55002)]. \textit{J. B. Lee} and \textit{K. B. Lee} [J. Geom. Phys. 56, No. 10, 2011--2023 (2006; Zbl 1109.55001)] obtained a criterion to determine whether this equality is still true for selfmaps on infra-nilmanifolds. In this paper, the authors generalize the latter idea to coincidence theory, considering the equality between coincidence Lefschetz number \(L(f,g)\) and coincidence Nielsen number \(N(f,g)\) for a pair of maps. Given two Hantzsche-Wendt manifolds \(M_1\) and \(M_2\) of same dimension, it is shown that \(|L(f,g)|= N(f,g)\) for all pair of maps from \(M_1\) to \(M_2\) if and only if \(M_1\) and \(M_2\) are not homeomorphic. Actually, any continuous map between non-homeomorphic Hantzsche-Wendt manifolds must be constant. The authors also obtain a sufficient condition imposed on infra-nilmanifolds such that \(|L(f,g)|= N(f,g)\) for all pair of maps between them. Moreover, many concrete and interesting examples are given, showing the difference between \(L(f,g)\) and \(N(f,g)\). It should be mentioned that concrete formulae of coincidence Lefschetz number and coincidence Nielsen number for pairs of maps between infra-nilmanifolds were obtained by \textit{S. W. Kim} and \textit{J. B. Lee} [Nagoya Math. J. 186, 69--93 (2007; Zbl 1129.55002)].