Intro to Geometric Probability (Lezioni Lincee)
Cambridge University Press, 1/12/2008
EAN 9780521596541, ISBN10: 0521596548
Paperback, 196 pages, 22.6 x 13.2 x 1.3 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
The purpose of this book is to present the three basic ideas of geometrical probability, also known as integral geometry, in their natural framework. In this way, the relationship between the subject and enumerative combinatorics is more transparent, and the analogies can be more productively understood. The first of the three ideas is invariant measures on polyconvex sets. The authors then prove the fundamental lemma of integral geometry, namely the kinematic formula. Finally the analogues between invariant measures and finite partially ordered sets are investigated, yielding insights into Hecke algebras, Schubert varieties and the quantum world, as viewed by mathematicians. Geometers and combinatorialists will find this a most stimulating and fruitful story.
Introduction
1. The Buffon needle problem
2. Valuation and integral
3. A discrete lattice
4. The intrinsic volumes for parallelotopes
5. The lattice of polyconvex sets
6. Invariant measures on Grassmannians
7. The intrinsic volumes for polyconvex sets
8. A characterization theorem for volume
9. Hadwiger's characterization theorem
10. Kinematic formulas for polyconvex sets
11. Polyconvex sets in the sphere
References
Index of symbols
Index.