We describe the scheme structure of the Hilbert scheme of points of affine 3-space,
in terms of representations of the Jacobi algebra of a quiver with potential. This exhibits the Hilbert scheme of points as the critical locus of a regular function on a smooth variety.
We discuss the torus action on the Hilbert scheme and its Euler characteristic.
Links:
[1] http://www.mpim-bonn.mpg.de/de/taxonomy/term/39
[2] http://www.mpim-bonn.mpg.de/de/node/3444
[3] http://www.mpim-bonn.mpg.de/de/node/8057