For a stratified symplectic space, a suitable concept of stratified Kahler polarization encapsulates Kahler polarizations on the strata and the behaviour of the polarizations across the strata and leads to the notion of stratified Kahler space which establishes an intimate relationship between nilpotent orbits, singular reduction, invariant theory, reductive dual pairs, Jordan triple systems, symmetric domains, and pre-homogeneous spaces: The closure of a holomorphic nilpotent orbit or, equivalently, the closure of the stratum of the associated pre-homogeneous space of parabolic type carries a (positive) normal Kahler structure. In the world of singular Poisson geometry, the closures of principal holomorphic nilpotent orbits, positive definite hermitian JTS's, and certain pre-homogeneous spaces appear as different incarnations of the same structure. The closure of the principal holomorphic nilpotent orbit arises from a semisimple holomorphic orbit by contraction. Symplectic reduction carries a positive Kahler manifold to a positive normal Kahler space in such a way that the sheaf of germs of polarized functions coincides with the ordinary sheaf of germs of holomorphic functions. Symplectic reduction establishes a close relationship between singular reduced spaces and nilpotent orbits of the dual groups. Projectivization of holomorphic nilpotent orbits yields exotic (positive) stratified Kahler structures on complex projective spaces and on certain complex projective varieties including complex projective quadrics. The space of (in general twisted) representations of the fundamental group of a closed surface in a compact Lie group or, equivalently, a moduli space of central Yang-Mills connections on a principal bundle over a surface, inherits a (positive) normal (stratified) Kahler structure. Physical examples are provided by certain reduced spaces arising from angular momentum zero.

For a stratified symplectic space, a suitable concept of stratified Kahler polarization encapsulates Kahler polarizations on the strata and the behaviour of the polarizations across the strata and leads to the notion of stratified Kahler space which establishes an intimate relationship between nilpotent orbits, singular reduction, invariant theory, reductive dual pairs, Jordan triple systems, symmetric domains, and pre-homogeneous spaces: The closure of a holomorphic nilpotent orbit or, equivalently, the closure of the stratum of the associated pre-homogeneous space of parabolic type carries a (positive) normal Kahler structure. In the world of singular Poisson geometry, the closures of principal holomorphic nilpotent orbits, positive definite hermitian JTS's, and certain pre-homogeneous spaces appear as different incarnations of the same structure. The closure of the principal holomorphic nilpotent orbit arises from a semisimple holomorphic orbit by contraction. Symplectic reduction carries a positive Kahler manifold to a positive normal Kahler space in such a way that the sheaf of germs of polarized functions coincides with the ordinary sheaf of germs of holomorphic functions. Symplectic reduction establishes a close relationship between singular reduced spaces and nilpotent orbits of the dual groups. Projectivization of holomorphic nilpotent orbits yields exotic (positive) stratified Kahler structures on complex projective spaces and on certain complex projective varieties including complex projective quadrics. The space of (in general twisted) representations of the fundamental group of a closed surface in a compact Lie group or, equivalently, a moduli space of central Yang-Mills connections on a principal bundle over a surface, inherits a (positive) normal (stratified) Kahler structure. Physical examples are provided by certain reduced spaces arising from angular momentum zero.

This is the first exposition of the quantization theory of singular symplectic (Marsden-Weinstein) quotients and their applications to physics. The reader will acquire an introduction to the various techniques used in this area, as well as an overview of the latest research approaches. These involve classical differential and algebraic geometry, as well as operator algebras and noncommutative geometry. Thus one will be amply prepared to follow future developments in this field.

This volume is based on talks given at the Workshop on Categorical Structures for Descent and Galois Theory, Hopf Algebras, and Semiabelian Categories held at The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences (Toronto, ON, Canada). The meeting brought together researchers working in these interrelated areas. This collection of survey and research papers gives an up-to-date account of the many current connections among Galois theories, Hopf algebras, and semiabeliancategories. The book features articles by leading researchers on a wide range of themes, specifically, abstract Galois theory, Hopf algebras, and categorical structures, in particular quantum categories and higher-dimensional structures. Articles are suitable for graduate students and researchers,specifically those interested in Galois theory and Hopf algebras and their categorical unification.

Numerous well-presented and important papers from the conference are gathered in the proceedings for the purpose of pointing directions for useful future research in diverse areas of mathematics including algebraic geometry, analysis, commutative algebra, complex analysis, discrete mathematics, dynamical systems, number theory and topology. Several papers on computational and applied mathematics such as wavelet analysis, quantum mechanics, piecewise linear modeling, cosmological models of super symmetry, fluid dynamics, interpolation theory, optimization, ergodic theory and games theory are also presented.

* Winner of the Ferran Sunyer i Balaguer Prize in 2000. * Reviews the necessary prerequisites, beginning with an introduction to Lie symmetries on Poisson and symplectic manifolds. * Currently in classroom use in Europe. * Can serve as a resource for graduate courses and seminars in Hamiltonian mechanics and symmetry, symplectic and Poisson geometry, Lie theory, mathematical physics, and as a comprehensive reference resource for researchers.