Hilbert functions of schemes of double and reduced points
Abstract
It remains an open problem to classify the Hilbert functions of double points
in $\mathbb{P}^2$. Given a valid Hilbert function $H$ of a zero-dimensional
scheme in $\mathbb{P}^2$, we show how to construct a set of fat points $Z
\subseteq \mathbb{P}^2$ of double and reduced points such that $H_Z$, the
Hilbert function of $Z$, is the same as $H$. In other words, we show that any
valid Hilbert function $H$ of a zero-dimensional scheme is the Hilbert function
of a set of a positive number of double points and some reduced points. For
some families of valid Hilbert functions, we are also able to show that $H$ is
the Hilbert function of only double points. In addition, we give necessary and
sufficient conditions for the Hilbert function of a scheme of a double points,
or double points plus one additional reduced point, to be the Hilbert function
of points with support on a star configuration of lines.