An Introduction to Configuration Spaces and Braid Groups

Abstract: This is an expository talk exploring configuration spaces and braid groups. I will give definitions and examples of configuration spaces and braid groups, explore the connection between the two, and, time permitting, state properties of each. I consider these ideas from the perspective of algebraic topology and combinatorial group theory, although these objects appear and have applications in many other areas of mathematics.

Mathematics

Audience: advanced learners

Graduate Online Seminar Series (GOSS)

Series comments: Meeting Password: MATHGOSS

Announcement mailing list: groups.google.com/g/goss2021

Website: dzackgarza.com/GOSS/2021/

Recordings: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3xhHlOzFPM&list=PLkscP0p2V2U5J-Gc4foDjQxVD-4c0dVU4