Verdier specialization via weak factorization

Abstract

Let X⊂V be a closed embedding, with V∖X nonsingular. We define a constructible function ψ_{X, V} on X, agreeing with Verdier’s specialization of the constant function 1_V when X is the zero-locus of a function on V. Our definition is given in terms of an embedded resolution of X; the independence of the choice of resolution is obtained as a consequence of the weak factorization theorem of Abramovich–Karu–Matsuki–Włodarczyk. The main property of ψ_{X, V} is a compatibility with the specialization of the Chern class of the complement V∖X. With the definition adopted here, this is an easy consequence of standard intersection theory. It recovers Verdier’s result when X is the zero-locus of a function on V.

Our definition has a straightforward counterpart Ψ_{X, V} in a motivic group. The function ψ_{X, V} and the corresponding Chern class c_SM(ψ_{X, V}) and motivic aspect Ψ_{X, V} all have natural ‘monodromy’ decompositions, for any X⊂V as above.

The definition also yields an expression for Kai Behrend’s constructible function when applied to (the singularity subscheme of) the zero-locus of a function on V.