Nigel Hitchin

Abstract:   Differential geometry over the quaternions takes different forms. The most common is hyperkaehler geometry and moduli spaces of instantons, monopoles and Higgs bundles all have natural hyperkaehler metrics, some of which can be calculated. Recently a correspondence between geometries of this type with a circle action and other types of quaternionic geometry has been found, a correspondence which illuminates new features of the old hyperkaehler moduli spaces. The talk will describe these constructions and examples.

Here are some directions to Northeastern University. Lake Hall and Nightingale Hall can be best accessed from the entrance on the corner of Greenleaf Street and Leon Street. The two halls are connected, with no well-defined boundary in between. In particular, 509 Lake Hall is on the same corridor as 544 Nightingale Hall.

There is free parking available for people coming to the Colloquium at Northeastern's visitor parking (Rennaisance Garage). The entrance is from Columbus Avenue. If coming by car, you should park there and take the parking talon. After the lecture, you may pick up the payment coupon from Andrei Zelevinsky.