An index inequality for embedded pseudoholomorphic curves in symplectizations

Let be a surface with a symplectic form, let φ be a symplectomorphism of , and let Y be the mapping torus of φ. We show that the dimensions of moduli spaces of embedded pseudoholomorphic curves in R×Y , with cylindrical ends asymptotic to periodic orbits of φ or multiple covers thereof, are bounded from above by an additive relative index. We deduce some compactness results for these moduli spaces. This paper establishes some of the foundations for a program with Michael Thaddeus, to understand the Seiberg-Witten Floer homology of Y in terms of such pseudoholomorphic curves. Analogues of our results should also hold in three dimensional contact topology.