In mathematics, vector bundles on algebraic curves may be studied as holomorphic vector bundles on compact Riemann surfaces. which is the classical approach, or as locally free sheaves on algebraic curves C in a more general, algebraic setting (which can for example admit singular points).
Some foundational results on classification were known in the 1950s. The result of Grothendieck (1957), that holomorphic vector bundles on the Riemann sphere are sums of line bundles, is now often called the Birkhoff–Grothendieck theorem, since it is implicit in much earlier work of Birkhoff (1909) on the Riemann–Hilbert problem.
Atiyah (1957) gave the classification of vector bundles on elliptic curves.
The Riemann–Roch theorem for vector bundles was proved by Weil (1938), before the 'vector bundle' concept had really any official status. In fact, though, associated ruled surfaces were classical objects. See Hirzebruch–Riemann–Roch theorem for his result. He was in fact seeking a generalization of the Jacobian variety, by passing from holomorphic line bundles to higher rank. This idea would prove fruitful, in terms of moduli spaces of vector bundles. following on the work in the 1960s on geometric invariant theory.
Famous quotes containing the words bundles, algebraic and/or curves:
“He bundles every forkful in its place,
And tags and numbers it for future reference,
So he can find and easily dislodge it
In the unloading. Silas does that well.
He takes it out in bunches like birds’ nests.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“I have no scheme about it,—no designs on men at all; and, if I had, my mode would be to tempt them with the fruit, and not with the manure. To what end do I lead a simple life at all, pray? That I may teach others to simplify their lives?—and so all our lives be simplified merely, like an algebraic formula? Or not, rather, that I may make use of the ground I have cleared, to live more worthily and profitably?”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“For a hundred and fifty years, in the pasture of dead horses,
roots of pine trees pushed through the pale curves of your ribs,
yellow blossoms flourished above you in autumn, and in winter
frost heaved your bones in the ground—old toilers, soil makers:
O Roger, Mackerel, Riley, Ned, Nellie, Chester, Lady Ghost.”
—Donald Hall (b. 1928)