Suppose that if $X$ is a complete, simply connected Kaehler manifold with non-positive sectional curvatures. Let $P \in X$ and $h : X \to \mathbb{R}$ be the function defined by $h(x) = dist(P,X)^2$. Is it true that the Levi form $(\partial^2 h/\partial z_j\partial \bar{z}_k)(x)$ is positive definite at each point $x \in X$, $x\neq P$? If not, is it true when $X$ is a hermitian symmetric domain? Or when $X$ is the Siegel upper half space of rank $g$?
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1$\begingroup$ The square of the distance function is strictly convex.On kahler manifolds strictly convex functions are strictly plurisubharmonic. $\endgroup$– Mohan RamachandranCommented Jan 21, 2012 at 22:11
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1$\begingroup$ In particular X is in fact Stein by Grauert's solution of the Levi Problem . $\endgroup$– Mohan RamachandranCommented Jan 21, 2012 at 22:15
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$\begingroup$ Mohan, some references would be much appreciated. $\endgroup$– Dick HainCommented Jan 21, 2012 at 22:23
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1$\begingroup$ See for example R E Greene and H H Wu Springer LNM 699 $\endgroup$– Mohan RamachandranCommented Jan 21, 2012 at 22:41
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By the Hessian comparison theorem the square of the distance function on X is strictly convex. On Kahler manifolds strictly convex functions are strictly plurisubharmonic .By Grauert's solution of the Levi problem X is Stein.See R E Greene and H H Wu Springer LNM 699 . There is an example of a complete simply connected negatively curved Hermitian manifold which is not Stein due to P Klembeck.So we need the Kahler assumption.
answered Jan 23, 2012 at 16:18