Analysis, Dynamics and Applications Seminar

Speakers:         Patrick Shipman, Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona

Abstract:  A classic complex-analytic approach to constructing minimal surfaces carried out by Weierstrass and Enneper has since been extended to create conformal parametrizations of minimal and more general surfaces, including Euclidean, spacelike, and timelike surfaces in three-dimensional Euclidean and Lorentz spaces.   A Lie-algebraic formulation unites these representations into one coherent framework.  Applications such as a geometric interpretation of the Dirac equation or finding the shape of a hot droplet on a cold surface will round out the talk.   This is work with Barbara Shipman, leading into work with Nick Ercolani.