Quasi-finite surjective holomorphic map is proper

complex-analysiscomplex-geometryseveral-complex-variables

Let $X$ and $Y$ be connected complex manifolds. Let
$f:X \to Y$ be a surjective holomorphic map such that pre-image of every $y \in Y$ is a finite set.

Then can we say that $f$ is a proper map? I feel that this is not true but I am unable to think of a counterexample.

If not counterexample, hints towards $f$ is proper are welcome!

Best Answer

Such a map need not be proper. A simple example is given by the map $f \colon z \mapsto z^2$ with $Y = \mathbb{C}\setminus \{0\}$ and $X$ any connected open subset of $Y$ such that $f(X) = Y$. Standard choices for $X$ are $\mathbb{C} \setminus (-\infty,0]$ or a three-quarter plane. A maximal $X$ is for example $Y \setminus \{1\}$.

Then if $z_0$ is a boundary point of $X$ in $Y$, the preimage of a compact neighbourhood of $f(z_0)$ isn't compact.

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