An index inequality for embedded pseudoholomorphic curves in symplectizations

Abstract

Let D be a surface with a symplectic form, let J be a symplectomorphism of D, and let Y be the mapping torus of J. We show that the dimensions of moduli spaces of embedded pseudoholomorphic curves in Â2Y, with cylindrical ends asymptotic to periodic orbits of J or multiple covers thereof, are bounded from above by an additive relative index. We deduce some compactness results for these moduli spaces. This paper establishes some of the foundations for a program with Michael Thaddeus, to understand the Seiberg-Witten Floer homology of Y in terms of such pseudoholomorphic curves. Analogues of our results should also hold in three dimensional contact topology.