Combinatorial Morse theory and minimality of hyperplane arrangements

We find an explicit combinatorial gradient vector field on the well known complex S (Salvetti complex) which models the complement to an arrangement of complexified hyperplanes. The argument uses a total ordering on the facets of the stratification of R^n associated to the arrangement, which is induced by a generic system of polar coordinates. We give a combinatorial description of the singular facets, finding also an algebraic complex which computes local homology. We also give a precise construction in the case of the braid arrangement.