In
mathematics, the poset topology associated to a
poset
In mathematics, especially order theory, a partially ordered set (also poset) formalizes and generalizes the intuitive concept of an ordering, sequencing, or arrangement of the elements of a set. A poset consists of a set together with a binary ...
(''S'', ≤) is the
Alexandrov topology In topology, an Alexandrov topology is a topology in which the intersection of any family of open sets is open. It is an axiom of topology that the intersection of any ''finite'' family of open sets is open; in Alexandrov topologies the finite restr ...
(open sets are
upper set
In mathematics, an upper set (also called an upward closed set, an upset, or an isotone set in ''X'') of a partially ordered set (X, \leq) is a subset S \subseteq X with the following property: if ''s'' is in ''S'' and if ''x'' in ''X'' is larger ...
s) on the poset of finite
chains
A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A ...
of (''S'', ≤), ordered by inclusion.
Let ''V'' be a set of vertices. An
abstract simplicial complex
In combinatorics, an abstract simplicial complex (ASC), often called an abstract complex or just a complex, is a family of sets that is closed under taking subsets, i.e., every subset of a set in the family is also in the family. It is a purely ...
Δ is a set of finite sets of vertices, known as faces
, such that
::
Given a simplicial complex Δ as above, we define a (point set)
topology
In mathematics, topology (from the Greek words , and ) is concerned with the properties of a geometric object that are preserved under continuous deformations, such as stretching, twisting, crumpling, and bending; that is, without closing h ...
on Δ by declaring a subset
be closed if and only if Γ is a simplicial complex, i.e.
::
This is the
Alexandrov topology In topology, an Alexandrov topology is a topology in which the intersection of any family of open sets is open. It is an axiom of topology that the intersection of any ''finite'' family of open sets is open; in Alexandrov topologies the finite restr ...
on the poset of faces of Δ.
The order complex associated to a poset (''S'', ≤) has the set ''S'' as vertices, and the finite chains of (''S'', ≤) as faces. The poset topology associated to a poset (''S'', ≤) is then the Alexandrov topology on the order complex associated to (''S'', ≤).
See also
*
Topological combinatorics The mathematical discipline of topological combinatorics is the application of topological and algebro-topological methods to solving problems in combinatorics.
History
The discipline of combinatorial topology used combinatorial concepts in top ...
References
Poset Topology: Tools and Applications Michelle L. Wachs, lecture notes IAS/Park City Graduate Summer School in Geometric Combinatorics (July 2004)
General topology
Order theory
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