Linear series on curves: stability and Clifford index

Abstract

We study concepts of stabilities associated to a smooth complex curve together with a linear series on it. In particular we investigate the relation between stability of the associated Dual Span Bundle and linear stability. Our result implies a stability condition related to the Clifford index of the curve. Furthermore, in some of the cases, we prove that a stronger stability holds: cohomological stability. Eventually using our results we obtain stable vector bundles of integral slope 3, and prove that they admit theta-divisors.