Desingularizing positive scalar curvature 4-manifolds

Abstract

We show that the bordism group of closed 3-manifolds with positive scalar curvature (psc) metrics is trivial by explicit methods. Our constructions are derived from scalar-flat K{\"a}hler ALE surfaces discovered by Lock-Viaclovsky. Next, we study psc 4-manifolds with metric singularities along points and embedded circles. Our psc null-bordisms are essential tools in a desingularization process developed by Li-Mantoulidis. This allows us to prove a non-existence result for singular psc metrics on enlargeable 4-manifolds with uniformly Euclidean geometry. As a consequence, we obtain a positive mass theorem for asymptotically flat 4-manifolds with non-negative scalar curvature and low regularity.