The multiple-point schemes of a finite curvilinear map of codimension one

Abstract

Let X and Y be smooth varieties of dimensions n-1 and n over an arbitrary algebraically closed field, f:X-> Y a finite map that is birational onto its image. Suppose that f is curvilinear; that is, at every point of X, the Jacobian has rank at least n-2. For r at least 1, consider the subscheme N_r of Y defined by the (r-1)st Fitting ideal of the O_Y-module f_*O_X, and set M_r:=f^{-1}N_r. In this setting --- in fact, in a more general setting --- we prove the following statements, which show that M_r and N_r behave like reasonable schemes of source and target r-fold points of f. Each component of M_r and N_r is empty or has dimension at least n-r. If each component of M_r, or equivalently of N_r, has dimension n-r, then M_r and N_r are Cohen--Macaulay, and their fundamental cycles satisfy the relation, f_*[M_r]=r[N_r]. Now, suppose that each component of M_s, or of N_s, has dimension n-s for s=1,...,r+1. Then the blowup Bl(N_r,N_{r+1}) is equal to the Hilbert scheme Hilb^r_f, and the blowup Bl(M_r,M_{r+1}) is equal to the universal subscheme Univ^r_f of Hilb^r_f x_Y X; moreover, Hilb^r_f and Univ^r_f are Gorenstein. In addition, the structure map h:Hilb^r_f->Y is finite and birational onto its image; and its conductor is equal to the ideal J_r of N_{r+1} in N_r, and is locally self-linked. Reciprocally, h_*O_{Hilb^r_f} is equal to Hom(J_r,O_{N_{r}}). Moreover, h_*[h^{-1}N_{r+1}]=(r+1)[N_{r+1}]. Furthermore, similar assertions hold for the structure map h_1:Univ^r_f->X if r>1.