Higher order obstructions to the desingularization of Einstein metrics

Abstract

We find new obstructions to the desingularization of compact Einstein orbifolds by smooth Einstein metrics. These new obstructions, specific to the compact situation, raise the question of whether a compact Einstein $4$-orbifold which is limit of Einstein metrics bubbling out Eguchi-Hanson metrics has to be Kähler. We then test these obstructions to discuss if it is possible to produce a Ricci-flat but not Kähler metric by the most promising desingularization configuration proposed by Page in 1981. We identify $84$ obstructions which, once compared to the $57$ degrees of freedom, indicate that almost all flat orbifold metrics on ${\mathbb{T}}^4/{\mathbb{Z}}_2$ should not be limit of Ricci-flat metrics with generic holonomy while bubbling out Eguchi-Hanson metrics. Perhaps surprisingly, in the most symmetric situation, we also identify a $14$-dimensional family of desingularizations satisfying all of our $84$ obstructions.

arXiv comment2 figures, 50 pages. V2: added results for stable Ricci-flat metrics and corrected some typos. V3: got rid of technical assumptions on the infinitesimal deformations of the orbifold