Discrete Algebraic sets in Discrete Manifolds

Abstract

A discrete d-manifold is a finite simple graph G=(V,E) where all unit spheres are (d-1)-spheres. A d-sphere is a d-manifold for which one can remove a vertex to make it contractible. A graph is contractible if one can remove a vertex with contractible unit sphere to get a contractible graph. We prove a discrete Morse-Sard theorem: if G=(V,E) is a d-manifold and f:V to R^k an arbitrary map, then for any c not in f(V), a level set { f = c } is always a (d-k)-manifold or empty. While a priori open sets in the simplicial complex of G, they are sub-manifolds in the Barycentric refinement of G. Level sets are orientable if G is orientable. Any complex-valued function psi on a discrete 4-manifold M defines so level surfaces {psi=c} which are except for c in f(V) always 2-manifolds or empty.