Anti-self-dual blowups II

Abstract

Let $X$ be a closed, oriented four-manifold with $b_2^{+}\le 3$, and suppose $X$ contains a collection of pairwise disjoint embedded $(-2)$-spheres. We prove that there is a Riemannian metric on $X$ such that the Poincare dual of each of these spheres is represented by an anti-self-dual harmonic form. This extends our earlier result for $(-1)$-spheres. The main new ingredient is an application of Eliashberg's $h$-principle for overtwisted contact structures, which we use to construct self-dual harmonic forms on four-orbifolds with prescribed local behaviour near the orbifold singular set.

26 pages