Iosif Polterovich

Abstract:   Geometric spectral theory has a long and fascinating history. It goes back to the experiments of Chladni with vibrating plates and to the groundbreaking work of Rayleigh on the theory of sound, to Weyl's law for the asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues and to Kac's celebrated question "Can one hear the shape of a drum?". In my talk, I will discuss some of the old problems and related recent developments in the field.

Here are some directions to Northeastern University. Lake Hall and Nightingale Hall can be best accessed from the entrance on the corner of Greenleaf Street and Leon Street. The two halls are connected, with no well-defined boundary in between. In particular, 509 Lake Hall is on the same corridor as 544 Nightingale Hall.

There is free parking available for people coming to the Colloquium at Northeastern's visitor parking (Rennaisance Garage). The entrance is from Columbus Avenue. If coming by car, you should park there and take the parking talon. After the lecture, you may pick up the payment coupon from Andrei Zelevinsky.