Geometry & Topology Monographs 2 (1999) 473–488

DOI: 10.2140/gtm.1999.2.473

arXiv: math.GT/9911260

Abstract

We use a 1–parameter version of gauge theory to investigate the topology of the diffeomorphism group of 4–manifolds. A polynomial invariant, analogous to the Donaldson polynomial, is defined, and is used to show that the diffeomorphism group of certain simply-connected 4–manifolds has infinitely generated π₀.

Keywords

diffeomorphism, isotopy, 4–manifold

Mathematical Subject Classification

Primary: 57R52

Secondary: 57R57

References

Publication

Received: 14 October 1999
Revised: 18 November 1999
Published: 23 November 1999

Authors