Nash multiplicity sequences and Hironaka's order function

When $X$ is a $d$-dimensional variety defined over a field $k$ of characteristic zero, a constructive resolution of singularities can be achieved by successively lowering the maximum multiplicity via blow ups at smooth equimultiple centers. This is done by stratifying the maximum multiplicity locus of $X$ by means of the so called {\em resolution functions}. The most important of these functions is what we know as {\em Hironaka's order function in dimension $d$}. Actually, this function can be defined for varieties when the base field is perfect; however if the characteristic of $k$ is positive, the function is, in general, too coarse and does not provide enough information so as to define a resolution. It is very natural to ask what the meaning of this function is in this case, and to try to find refinements that could lead, ultimately, to a resolution. In this paper we show that Hironaka's order function in dimension $d$ can be read in terms of the {\em Nash multiplicity sequences} introduced by Lejeune-Jalabert. Therefore, the function is intrinsic to the variety and has a geometrical meaning in terms of its space of arcs.

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