Knotting of algebraic curves in complex surfaces

Abstract

A non-singular connected algebraic curve $A$ in a simply connected algebraic surface $X$ can be knotted so that its homology class and the fundamental group of its complement in $X$ is preserved, provided $A$ is sufficiently complex (not too ``rigid''). For example, it is true if $A$ admits a degeneration to an irreducible curve $A_0$ having a unique singularity of the type $X_9$ (a non-degenerate quadriple point), or more complicated one, and $A.A>16$. This generalizes the previous result of the author which concerns the curves in $C{P}^2$ of degree $d>4$ (the old preprint is included as a part of the current one).

12 pages, 4 figures, includes gokova.cls