As The Complex Projective Line
The Riemann sphere can also be defined as the complex projective line. This is the subset of C2 consisting of all pairs (α, β) of complex numbers, not both zero, modulo the equivalence relation
for all nonzero complex numbers λ. The complex plane C, with coordinate ζ, can be mapped into the complex projective line by
Another copy of C with coordinate ξ can be mapped in by
These two complex charts cover the projective line. For nonzero ξ the identifications
demonstrate that the transition maps are ζ = 1/ξ and ξ = 1/ζ, as above.
This treatment of the Riemann sphere connects most readily to projective geometry. For example, any line (or smooth conic) in the complex projective plane is biholomorphic to the complex projective line. It is also convenient for studying the sphere's automorphisms, later in this article.
Read more about this topic: Riemann Sphere
Famous quotes containing the words complex and/or line:
“Power is not an institution, and not a structure; neither is it a certain strength we are endowed with; it is the name that one attributes to a complex strategical situation in a particular society.”
—Michel Foucault (1926–1984)
“A route differs from a road not only because it is solely intended for vehicles, but also because it is merely a line that connects one point with another. A route has no meaning in itself; its meaning derives entirely from the two points that it connects. A road is a tribute to space. Every stretch of road has meaning in itself and invites us to stop. A route is the triumphant devaluation of space, which thanks to it has been reduced to a mere obstacle to human movement and a waste of time.”
—Milan Kundera (b. 1929)