Periodic Complexes, Fixity and Group Actions

A classical result in topology is the characterization of those finite groups which can act freely on spheres. After providing general background on the subject, we will describe recent work on extending this to other spaces and groups, in particular towards understanding the situation for a product of two spheres. We will exhibit some very explicit examples arising from representation theory which provide natural geometric models for these constructions.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge, Math Annex (Room 1115).