Question

Assume, $M$ is a smooth manifold with a measure $\mu$ and let $L^2(M, \mu)$ be a space of all square-integrable functions on $M$.

Recall that $L$ is a hypoelliptic differential operator, if for every $f \in \mathcal{D}(L)$, if $Lf$ is in $C^\infty(M)$ then $f$ is also in $C^\infty(M)$.

Could anyone give a reference to the example when $L$ is hypoelliptic but its adjoint w.r.t to $\mu$ is not hypoelliptic? Could this happen to the Hormander operators, when $L$ is defined as $$ L = \sum_i X_i^2 + X_0 $$ and ${X_i}$'s are bracket generating?

I am mostly interested in the case when $\mu$ is induced by the Riemannian metric and $M$ is complete.

Thanks,

Answer 1

Hormander's operator $L=X_0+\sum_{1\le j\le k} X_j^2$, where the $X_j$ are real smooth vector fields with the Lie algebra of ${(X_j)}_{0\le j\le k}$ generating the tangent space is hypoelliptic as well as its adjoint since the Lie algebra condition does not change by taking adjoints.

On the other hand, $\frac{\partial}{\partial t}+t\Delta_x$ is hypoelliptic whereas its adjoint $-\frac{\partial}{\partial t}+t\Delta_x$ is not hypoelliptic,

Bazin.