Combinatorial Hodge Index Theorem for Polytopes

Abstract

Toric varieties can be constructed from rational polytopes, and several invariants of toric varieties can be expressed in terms of the combinatorics of the corresponding polytope. Barthel-Brasselet-Fieseler-Kaup (BBFK) introduced combinatorial intersection cohomology for convex polytopes, which agrees with the intersection cohomology of the associated toric variety when the polytope is rational. Maxim-Schuermann computed the intersection cohomology signature of a projective toric variety, corresponding to the case of a polytope with rational vertices. Using the combinatorial framework of BBFK, we show that the Maxim-Schuermann formula extends to arbitrary convex polytopes. Finally, we discuss a version of the Hodge index theorem for polytopes.