Definition
Let denote the space of smooth m-forms with compact support on . A current is a linear functional on which is continuous in the sense of distributions. Thus a linear functional
is an m-current if it is continuous in the following sense: If a sequence of smooth forms, all supported in the same compact set, is such that all derivatives of all their coefficients tend uniformly to 0 when tends to infinity, then tends to 0.
The space of m-dimensional currents on ℝn is a real vector space with operations defined by
Multiplication by a constant scalar represents a change in the multiplicity of the surface. In particular multiplication by −1 represents the change of orientation of the surface.
Much of the theory of distributions carries over to currents with minimal adjustments. For example, one may define the support of a current T as the complement of the biggest open set U such that T(ω) = 0 whenever the support of ω lies entirely in U.
The linear subspace of consisting of currents with compact support is denoted . It can be naturally identified with the dual space to the space of all smooth m-forms on ℝn.
Read more about this topic: Current (mathematics)
Famous quotes containing the word definition:
“Perhaps the best definition of progress would be the continuing efforts of men and women to narrow the gap between the convenience of the powers that be and the unwritten charter.”
—Nadine Gordimer (b. 1923)
“The physicians say, they are not materialists; but they are:MSpirit is matter reduced to an extreme thinness: O so thin!—But the definition of spiritual should be, that which is its own evidence. What notions do they attach to love! what to religion! One would not willingly pronounce these words in their hearing, and give them the occasion to profane them.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“According to our social pyramid, all men who feel displaced racially, culturally, and/or because of economic hardships will turn on those whom they feel they can order and humiliate, usually women, children, and animals—just as they have been ordered and humiliated by those privileged few who are in power. However, this definition does not explain why there are privileged men who behave this way toward women.”
—Ana Castillo (b. 1953)