Topological complexity of classical configuration spaces and related objects

Abstract

We survey results on the topological complexity of classical configuration spaces of distinct ordered points in orientable surfaces and related spaces, including certain orbit configuration spaces and Eilenberg-Mac Lane spaces associated to certain discrete groups.

This survey expands on lectures given at the Spring 2016 Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach Mini-Workshop "Topological Complexity and Related Topics." To appear in the Contemporary Mathematics volume of the same title (M. Grant, G. Lupton, L. Vandembroucq, eds.)