Mapping the Unit Disk onto the Complex Plane: A Holomorphic Approach

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of mapping the unit disk holomorphically onto the complex plane. Participants explore theoretical implications, theorems related to holomorphic functions, and the nature of compactness in relation to the mapping.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to map the unit disk onto the complex plane holomorphically, clarifying that it is not a homework question.
  • Another participant references the Riemann mapping theorem, suggesting that a mapping exists if the domain is not all of C, and argues against the possibility of such a mapping by applying Liouville's theorem.
  • A subsequent reply points out a misunderstanding, clarifying that the original question seeks a mapping from the unit disk to the complex plane, not the reverse.
  • One participant argues that holomorphic maps are continuous and that the unit disk is compact, while the complex plane is not, leading to the conclusion that a continuous (or holomorphic) mapping cannot exist.
  • Another participant reiterates the compactness argument and notes that while the disk and the plane are homeomorphic, they are not conformally equivalent due to Liouville's theorem, suggesting a many-to-one mapping from the open disk to the complex plane.
  • A later reply acknowledges the oversight regarding the open disk and proposes using specific mappings to achieve the desired result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the possibility of a holomorphic mapping from the unit disk to the complex plane, with some arguing against it based on compactness and Liouville's theorem, while others suggest alternative approaches involving the open disk.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of the unit disk (open vs. closed) and the implications of compactness in relation to holomorphic mappings. The application of Liouville's theorem is also a focal point of contention.

esisk
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Is it possible to map the unit disk onto the complex plane C holomorphically?
This is not a homework question. Thank you for your help
 
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Hi there!

This is an interesting question.

The Riemannian mapping thm. actually gives a partial answer to that question - it is possible to find such a mapping, if the domain is not all of C, so the statement is seriously doubted - otherwise Riemann would have stated his thm in a more general way

However, I'll try to sketch a counter proof:

Assume that f: C -> D is holomorphic. It is evident that f is then an entire function. What is more, for all z in C it is true that |f(z)|<=1, i.e. f is bounded, because D is bounded. Now the Liouville's thm implies that f must be constant, implying the statement is incorrect.
(the Liouville's thm is that very nice tool also used for proving the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra in less that 5 lines)


regards,
marin
 
Hi Marin,
I thank you for the response, but I believe you have misread the question. I am looking for a function from D to C. Not the other way around; and, yes, otherwise Liousville's Theorem would make it impossible.

Again: Can you map the unit disk onto C?
Thanks
 
Holomorphic maps are continuous. The unit disk is compact. Continuous maps apply compact set to compact set. The complex plane is not compact. Hence, you can't map continuously (or holomorphically) D onto C.
 
quasar987 said:
Holomorphic maps are continuous. The unit disk is compact. Continuous maps apply compact set to compact set. The complex plane is not compact. Hence, you can't map continuously (or holomorphically) D onto C.

Of course he means the open disk. The disk and the plane are homeomorphic. But not conformally equivalent (as noted, by Liouville's theorem). So what about mapping the open disk onto the complex plane in a many-to-one manner?
 
For some reason I didn't even consider that the OP might mean the open disk!
 
Thank you both of you. I retrospect, I should have made it clearer by saying the open disk.

And, yes, following the suggestion from Edgar
I can use (z-i)^2 to map the upper falf plane onto C and

Cayley map to map the open disk onto the upper half plane. I believe this will do it. Thsnk you again.
 

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