2D projection of a complex algebraic surface — the hidden dimensions of string theory
A Calabi-Yau manifold is a compact complex Kähler manifold with trivial canonical bundle (vanishing first Chern class), admitting a Ricci-flat metric by Yau's 1978 proof of the Calabi conjecture. In string theory, 6 extra spatial dimensions are compactified on a CY threefold. This visualization projects a 2D real slice of z₁ⁿ + z₂ⁿ = 1 (ℂ²) using color to encode the complex phase.