Geometry & Topology 1 (1997) 71–89

DOI: 10.2140/gt.1997.1.71

arXiv: math.GT/9712292

Abstract

We define a diffeomorphism invariant of smooth 4–manifolds which we can estimate for many smoothings of R⁴ and other smooth 4–manifolds. Using this invariant we can show that uncountably many smoothings of R⁴ support no Stein structure. Gompf constructed uncountably many smoothings of R⁴ which do support Stein structures. Other applications of this invariant are given.

Keywords

smooth 4–manifolds, Stein manifolds, covering spaces

Mathematical Subject Classification

Primary: 57R10

Secondary: 57N13

References

Forward citations

Publication

Received: 21 October 1997
Accepted: 24 November 1997
Published: 6 December 1997
Proposed: Robion Kirby
Seconded: Ronald Stern, Ronald Fintushel

Authors