0
$\begingroup$

Hi,

This is my question. Can we compute easily the differential of the following map ?

$$ f:(x,\xi^\star)\in TS^{2n-1} \mapsto \xi^\star(ix)\in \mathbb{R} $$

where $TS^{2n-1}$ is the cotangent bundle of the odd sphere $S^{2n-1}\subset \mathbb{C}^n$. Notice that $f$ is well defined because if $x\in S^{2n-1}\subset \mathbb{C}^n$ then $ix\in T_x S^{2n-1}$.

Thanks

$\endgroup$
1
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ For the record, multiplication by $i$ does not preserve $TS^{2n-1}$, because this is an odd-rank bundle. In fact, the space of complex tangencies to $S^{2n-1}\subset \mathbb{C}^n$ is the standard contact structure on $S^{2n-1}$. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 27, 2011 at 8:52

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

The map is the restriction to $TS^{2n-1}$ of a quadratic map, so its differential is the restriction of the differential of that map. In coordinates $z^{\mu}$ on $\mathbb{C}^n$, we get coordinates $z^{\mu},\xi_{\mu}$ on $T^*\mathbb{C}^n$, and $z^{\mu},\xi^{\mu}$ on $T\mathbb{C}^n$. The function is $f=\left<\xi, \sqrt{-1} z\right>=-\sqrt{-1}\xi^{\mu} z^{\bar{\mu}} +\sqrt{-1} \xi^{\bar{\mu}} z^{\mu}$, so has differential $df=-\sqrt{-1}\left(\xi^{\mu} dz^{\bar{\mu}} + z^{\bar{\mu}} d\xi^{\mu}\right)+\sqrt{-1}\left(\xi^{\bar\mu} dz^{\mu} + z^{\mu} d\xi^{\bar\mu}\right)$. The equations on the sphere are $z^{\mu} z^{\bar{\mu}} = 1$ so the tangent bundle of the sphere is $z^{\mu} \xi^{\bar{\mu}} + \xi^{\mu} z^{\bar{\mu}} = 0$. Taking exterior derivative, you can simplify $df$ a little.

$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .