arXiv subjects

Giuseppe Favacchio

Publications and source records attributed to Giuseppe Favacchio.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Artin-Schreier geproci configurations in projective spaces of arbitrary dimension

We construct finite geproci sets in every projective dimension and in every positive characteristic by introducing $\mathbb{F}_N$-Artin-Schreier configurations. In $\mathbb{P}^3$, we characterize exactly when such configurations are geproci: an $\mathbb{F}_N$-Artin-Schreier configuration on $q$ lines spanning $\mathbb{P}^3$ is $(q,N)$-geproci if and only if $q\leq N$. We then develop a lifting construction which produces geproci sets in $\mathbb{P}^n$ for every $n\geq 3$.

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arXiv2026

Kochen-Specker Configurations from Grids on Dual Quadrics

We develop a geometric framework for constructing and organizing Kochen--Specker configurations in real four-dimensional space. The construction uses finite grids on pairs of smooth quadrics related by Euclidean polarity. Their incidence geometry directly produces orthogonal measurement contexts and parity proofs of quantum contextuality, yielding infinite families of configurations and a geometric interpretation and extension of a previously known cyclic construction. For a distinguished subfamily, the same geometry admits a canonical completion determined by secant lines. The first two instances of this completion recover the exceptional root configurations of types $F_4$ and $H_4$, while the smallest case also recovers the Cabello configuration and its embedding in the Peres configuration. Thus several prominent four-dimensional contextual configurations, previously obtained from different constructions, arise from a single projective-geometric mechanism.

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arXiv2026

On the Geometry of Sixers on the Fermat Cubic Surface

A sixer is a configuration of six pairwise skew lines on a smooth cubic surface, equivalently a choice of six exceptional curves defining a blow-down to $\mathbb{P}^2$. We study the $72$ sixers on the Fermat cubic surface $x_0^3+x_1^3+x_2^3+x_3^3=0$. We show that these sixers split into two orbits under the automorphism group of the Fermat cubic, of sizes $18$ and $54$. We give a geometric interpretation of this decomposition through the corresponding plane blow-up models: representatives of the two orbit types determine six-point configurations in $\mathbb{P}^2$ whose projective automorphism groups have orders $36$ and $12$, respectively. These groups identify with the stabilizers of the corresponding sixers and recover the two orbit sizes. We then compute the projective groups associated with representatives of the two orbits over $K=\mathbb Q(\omega)$, where $\omega^2+\omega+1=0$, and distinguish them arithmetically by the determinant square-class character $\delta_K:\mathrm{PGL}_2(K)\longrightarrow K^*/(K^*)^2$. Its images have $\mathbb F_2$-dimensions $1$ and $2$ for the orbits of sizes $18$ and $54$, respectively. Modulo $13$, the corresponding finite images are $\mathrm{PSL}_2(\mathbb F_{13})$ and $\mathrm{PGL}_2(\mathbb F_{13})$, respectively, and the determinant-character distinction persists for all choices of normalization triple.

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arXiv2026

Collinearly complete sets and finite subgroups from configurations of skew $n$-planes in $\mathbb P^{2n+1}_K$

We study collinearly complete finite sets of points arising from configurations of pairwise skew $n$-planes in $\mathbb {P}^{2n+1}_K$. To such a configuration we associate a groupoid generated by the natural collinearity correspondences between the $n$-planes, and we investigate the geometry of its finite orbits. In characteristic zero, we prove a rigidity result for the case in which the associated group is finite cyclic. After a suitable normalization, the matrices defining the configuration are simultaneously diagonalizable and admit a common two-block decomposition. Consequently, the orbit of a general point meets each $n$-plane in a collinear set, and the full orbit is contained in a distinguished projective $3$-space. This reduces the geometry of such orbits to the classical case of skew lines in $\mathbb {P}^3_{\mathbb C}$: inside the distinguished $\mathbb{P}^3_{\mathbb C}$, the orbit is geproci. We also prove that finite unions of general orbits are cut out set-theoretically from the union of the $n$-planes by a reducible surface. Finally, we show that this characteristic-zero rigidity fails in positive characteristic. In characteristic $2$, we construct cyclic examples whose orbit slices are Fano plane configurations, and we exhibit a genuinely higher-dimensional finite non-cyclic example in projective $5$-space with associated group ${\rm PGL}_3(\mathbb F_2)\cong {\rm PSL}_2(\mathbb F_7)$.

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arXiv2026

Enumerative geometry of skew lines in $\mathbb P^3$ with a given associated finite group

For any finite set $\mathcal L$ of 3 or more skew lines in $\mathbb P^3_{\overline{K}}$ over an algebraically closed field $\overline{K}$ of arbitrary characteristic, there is a canonical associated subgroup $G_{\mathcal L}$ of ${\rm PGL}_2(\overline{K})$. Given a finite subgroup $G\subset{\rm PGL}_2(\overline{K})$ we study which configurations of lines have $G_{\mathcal L}=G$. We derive an upper bound on the number $|\mathcal L|$ of lines in terms of the order $|G|$ of the group $G$ and as an application we classify up to projective equivalence which sets $\mathcal L$ in $\mathbb P^3_{\mathbb C}$ have $G_{\mathcal L}=G$ for certain finite nonabelian groups $G$.

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arXiv2026

Weddle schemes

The classical Weddle surface is the locus of vertices of quadric cones through six points in $\mathbb{P}^3$ in linear general position. Equivalently, it is the closure of the locus of centers of projection from which those six points map to six points on a plane conic. Motivated by this 1850 construction of T. Weddle, we introduce $d$-Weddle schemes for finite point sets $Z\subset \mathbb{P}^n$, defined by an analogous projection-to-degree-$d$ condition. Our main tool is Macaulay duality, which yields a natural multiplication map in an Artinian algebra defined by powers of linear forms. This viewpoint connects $d$-Weddle schemes to unexpected cones and interprets them as non-Lefschetz loci for these multiplication maps. Parallel to this, we give an analysis from the point of view of interpolation matrices, and we explain the connections between these approaches. For a general set $Z\subset \mathbb{P}^n$ of $\binom{d+n}{n}$ points, we show that the $d$-Weddle scheme is a hypersurface and we compute its degree. We also study general sets whose cardinalities are "near" such a binomial coefficient, where the Weddle scheme has higher codimension. Returning to sets of six points (not always in linear general position), we discuss special configurations in which the appropriate Weddle scheme is reducible, or even nonreduced.

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arXiv2025

Finite subgroups of $\operatorname{PGL}_2(K)$ arising from configurations of skew lines in $\mathbb{P}^3_K$

We study finite groups arising from configurations of pairwise skew lines in $\mathbb{P}^3_K$. To such a configuration ${L}$ one associates a group $G_{L}\subset \mathrm{PGL}_2(K)$ acting on each line, and we investigate which finite subgroups of $\mathrm{PGL}_2(K)$ can occur in this way. Our main tool is a matrix description of skew lines in $\mathbb{P}^3_K$, which gives explicit generators for $G_{L}$ in terms of matrices in $\mathrm{GL}_2(K)$. In the abelian case, we prove that the relevant matrices are simultaneously upper triangular and obtain explicit families realizing cyclic groups and elementary abelian $p$-groups. In the non-abelian case, we show that, in non-modular characteristic, no dihedral group $D_n$ with $n\ge 3$ can occur, while configurations realizing $A_4$, $S_4$, and $A_5$ are constructed explicitly. These results also yield new examples of point sets whose general projection is a complete intersection.

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arXiv2025

Intersection of curves in projective 4 space

Given two distinct reduced, irreducible curves of given degrees, contained in projective space but whose union is not contained in a hyperplane, what is the largest number of points of intersection they can have? When the projective space is the plane, this is trivial. For projective 3 space this problem was solved independently by Diaz and by Giuffrida in 1986. They showed that two curves achieving the maximum number of intersection points have to be rational curves on a smooth surface of minimal degree, i.e., a quadric surface. Note that these curves are far from being arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay. In contrast, Hartshorne and Mir\'o-Roig addressed this problem in 2015 for space curves under the assumption that the curves are arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay (ACM), introducing very deep techniques and obtaining very different results from Diaz and Giuffrida. Diaz and Giuffrida also gave initial results in dimensions greater than 3. Here we continue this study for dimension 4. We introduce a number B defined in terms of the degrees of the curves and prove that when both curves lie on a surface of minimal degree (thus a cubic surface) then the number of points of intersection is at most B. Moreover, we conjecture that B is always an upper bound and we prove this conjecture in many cases, including when at least one of the curves is ACM. Our approach focuses on the genera of the curves and their union. In addition we define a second number B' in terms of the degrees and the genus of the union which we can show bounds the number of points of intersection above, and we use a variety of methods to study how B and B' compare.

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arXiv2025

Combinatorics of skew lines in $\mathbb P^3$ with an application to algebraic geometry

This article introduces a previously unrecognized combinatorial structure underlying configurations of skew lines in $\mathbb{P}^3$, and reveals its deep and surprising connection to the algebro-geometric concept of geproci sets. Given any field $\mathbb{K}$ and a finite set $\mathcal L$ of 3 or more skew lines in $\mathbb{P}^3_\mathbb{K}$, we associate to it a group $G_{\mathcal L}$ and a groupoid $C_{\mathcal L}$ whose action on the union $\cup_{L\in\mathcal L}L$ provides orbits which have a rich combinatorial structure. We characterize when $G_{\mathcal L}$ is abelian and give partial results on its finiteness. The notion of \emph{collinearly complete} subsets is introduced and shown to correspond exactly to unions of groupoid orbits. In the case where $\mathbb{K}$ is a finite field and $\mathcal L$ is a full spread in $\mathbb{P}^3_\mathbb{K}$ (i.e., every point of $\mathbb{P}^3_\mathbb{K}$ lies on a line in $\mathcal{L}$), we prove that $G_{\mathcal L}$ being abelian characterizes the classical spread given by the fibers of the Hopf fibration. Over any algebraically closed field, we establish that finite unions of $C_{\mathcal L}$-orbits are geproci sets - that is, finite sets whose general projections to a plane are complete intersections. Furthermore, we prove a converse: if $\mathbb{K}$ is algebraically closed and $Z \subset \mathbb{P}^3_\mathbb{K}$ is a geproci set consisting of $m$ points on each of $s \geq 3$ skew lines $\mathcal L$ where the general projection of $Z$ is a complete intersection of type $(m, s)$, then $Z$ is a finite union of orbits of $C_{\mathcal L}$. This work thus uncovers a profound combinatorial framework governing geproci sets, providing a new bridge between incidence combinatorics and algebraic geometry.

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arXiv2025

Symbolic Powers of Toric Ideals

This paper investigates the symbolic powers of toric ideals. We first describe them in terms of the kernel of certain linear maps derived from the lattice structure of the toric ideal. Furthermore, we apply our results to show that symbolic powers of a toric ideal can also be expressed as saturations of regular powers with the monomial given by the product of all the variables. Finally, we conclude with a computationally significant result for computing symbolic powers of toric ideals.

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arXiv2024

On the arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay property for sets of points in multiprojective spaces

Published version: We study the arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay (ACM) property for finite sets of points in multiprojective spaces, especially $(\mathbb P^1)^n$. A combinatorial characterization, the $(\star)$-property, is known in $\mathbb P^1 \times \mathbb P^1$. We propose a combinatorial property, $(\star_n)$, that directly generalizes the $(\star)$-property to $(\mathbb P^1)^n$ for larger $n$. We show that $X$ is ACM if and only if it satisfies the $(\star_n)$-property. The main tool for several of our results is an extension to the multiprojective setting of certain liaison methods in projective space. Corrigendum: We correct a mistake in the cited paper. It introduced a combinatorial property, the $(\star_n)$-property, for a finite set of points $X$ in $(\mathbb P^1)^n$ and claimed that this property holds if and only if $X$ is ACM. In fact $X$ being ACM is a sufficient condition for the $(\star_n)$-property, but we only prove that it is necessary when $n=3$, and we give a counterexample when $n=4$.

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arXiv2024

Finite sets of points in $\mathbb{P}^4$ with special projection properties

In this note we introduce the notion of $(b,d)$-geprofi sets and study their basic properties. These are sets of $bd$ points in $\mathbb{P}^4$ whose projection from a general point to a hyperplane is a full intersection, i.e., the intersection of a curve of degree $b$ and a surface of degree $d$. We show that such nontrivial sets exist if and only if $b\geq 4$ and $d\geq 2$. Somewhat surprisingly, for infinitely many values of $b$ and $d$ there exist such sets in linear general position. The note contains open questions and problems.

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arXiv2024

On the Weak Lefschetz Property for certain ideals generated by powers of linear forms

Ideals $I\subseteq R=k[\mathbb P^n]$ generated by powers of linear forms arise, via Macaulay duality, from sets of fat points $X\subseteq \mathbb P^n$. Properties of $R/I$ are connected to the geometry of the corresponding fat points. When the linear forms are general, many authors have studied the question of whether or not $R/I$ has the Weak Lefschetz Property (WLP). We study this question instead for ideals coming from a family of sets of points called grids. We give a complete answer in the case of uniform powers of linear forms coming from square grids, and we give a conjecture and approach for the case of nonsquare grids. In the cases where WLP holds, we also describe the non-Lefschetz locus.

math.AC↗

arXiv2024

Comparability of the total Betti numbers of toric ideals of graphs

The total Betti numbers of the toric ideal of a simple graph are, in general, highly sensitive to any small change of the graph. In this paper we look at some combinatorial operations that cause total Betti numbers to change in predictable ways. In particular, we focus on a procedure that preserves these invariants.

math.AC↗

arXiv2024

On the classification of certain geproci sets

In this short note we develop new methods toward the ultimate goal of classifying geproci sets in $\mathbb P^3$. We apply these methods to show that among sets of $16$ points distributed evenly on $4$ skew lines, up to projective equivalence there are only two distinct geproci sets. We give different geometric distinctions between these sets. The methods we develop here can be applied in a more general set-up; this is the context of the follow-up work arXiv:2308.00761.

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arXiv2023

Geproci sets on skew lines in $\mathbb P^3$ with two transversals

The purpose of this work is to pursue classification of geproci sets. Specifically we classify $[m,n]$-geproci sets which consist of $m=4$ points on each of $n$ skew lines, assuming the skew lines have two transversals in common. We show that in this case $n\leq 6$. Moreover we show that all geproci sets of this type are contained in the \emph{standard construction} for $m=4$ introduced in arXiv:2209.04820. Finally, we propose a conjectural representation for all geproci sets of this type, irrespective of the number $m$ of points on each skew line.

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arXiv2023

The Waldschmidt constant of a standard $\Bbbk$-configuration in $\mathbb P^2$

A $\Bbbk$-configuration of type $(d_1,\dots,d_s)$ is a specific set of points in $\mathbb P^2$ that has a number of algebraic and geometric properties. For example, the graded Betti numbers and Hilbert functions of all $\Bbbk$-configurations in $\mathbb P^2$ are determined by the type $(d_1,\dots,d_s)$. However the Waldschmidt constant of a $\Bbbk$-configuration in $\mathbb P^2$ of the same type may vary. In this paper, we find that the Waldschmidt constant of a $\Bbbk$-configuration in $\mathbb P^2$ of type $(d_1,\dots,d_s)$ with $d_1\ge s\ge 1$ is $s$. We also find the Waldschmidt constant of a standard $\Bbbk$-configuration in $\mathbb P^2$ of type $(a,b,c)$ with $a\ge 1$ except the type $(2,3,5)$. In particular, we prove that the Waldschmidt constant of a standard $\Bbbk$-configuration in $\mathbb P^2$ of type $(1,b,c)$ with $c\ge 2b+2$ does not depend on $c$.

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arXiv2022

Configurations of points in projective space and their projections

We call a set of points $Z\subset{\mathbb P}^{3}_{\mathbb C}$ an $(a,b)$-geproci set (for GEneral PROjection is a Complete Intersection) if its projection from a general point $P$ to a plane is a complete intersection of curves of degrees $a$ and $b$. Examples which we call grids have been known since 2011. The only nongrid nondegenerate examples previously known had $ab=12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54$ or $60$. Here, for any $4 \leq a \leq b$, we construct nongrid nondegenerate $(a,b)$-geproci sets in a systematic way. We also show that the only such example with $a=3$ is a $(3,4)$-geproci set coming from the $D_4$ root system, and we describe the $D_4$ configuration in detail. We also consider the question of the equivalence (in various senses) of geproci sets, as well as which sets occur over the reals, and which cannot. We identify several additional examples of geproci sets with interesting properties. We also explore the relation between unexpected cones and geproci sets and introduce the notion of $d$-Weddle schemes arising from special projections of finite sets of points. This work initiates the exploration of new perspectives on classical areas of geometry. We formulate and discuss a range of open problems in the final chapter.

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