Geometry & Topology: Distinguishing filling curves and designer metrics

There are many topological invariants one can associate with homotopy classes of closed curves. These include algebraic and geometric self-intersection number, intersection with curves in a class of curves (for example, simple ones), complementary component types of a curve, mapping class group stabilizers of a curve, and many others. How these invariants interact and determine the curve type (mapping class group orbit) is an active area of research today. In this talk, we focus on the so called inf invariant (shortest length metric) associated to a filling curve, its relationship with the geometric self-intersection number, and its relation to the optimal metric that is tailored to produce the minimum length. While clearly the geometric self-intersection number is a type invariant, we address whether the inf invariant can distinguish between curves that have the same self-intersection. This is joint work with Ara Basmajian.