All Questions
Tagged with reference-request dg.differential-geometry
800 questions
6
votes
1
answer
399
views
A possible generalization of the exponential map
Let $M$ be a $n$-dimensional Riemannian Manifold, fix $p\in M$, and $1<k<n$. Do we know if the following is true?
For any $k$-dimensional subspace $V$ of $T_p M$, there exists a minimal ...
- 1,630
14
votes
4
answers
963
views
Steiner's inequality reference request
I remember seeing somewhere that for every connected compact set $\Omega$ in $\mathbb{R}^2$ with piecewise $C^1$ boundary we have
$$A(\Omega_r)\leq A(\Omega)+L(\partial \Omega)r+ \pi r^2,$$
where
$$\...
- 295
3
votes
0
answers
135
views
Asymptotic Expansion of Seiberg-Witten Differential?
Nekrasov & Okounkov proved (https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0306238.pdf) that the Seiberg-Witten prepotential can be given by
\begin{equation}
\mathcal{F}(\mathbf{a},\Lambda) = \lim_{\hbar\rightarrow ...
- 425
15
votes
0
answers
330
views
How much smoothness does the tennis ball theorem need?
The tennis ball theorem states that a smooth-enough curve that bisects the surface area of a sphere must have at least four inflection points. There are plenty of sources on this but most of them are ...
- 18.6k
6
votes
0
answers
163
views
Reference request: normal form of k-differentials and flat surfaces at a puncture
Let $f(z)$ be a holomorphic function defined on a punctured neighborhood of $z=0$ with non-essential singularity of degree $d$ at $0$ (namely, $f(z)=z^dh(z)$, where $h(z)$ is a holomorphic function ...
- 1,804
8
votes
1
answer
673
views
Classification of compact globally symmetric spaces
It is known that any connected compact Lie group $G$ is a finite quotient of the product of a compact simply connected semisimple Lie group $\tilde{G}$ and a torus $\mathbb{T}^n$ (see for example ...
- 193
8
votes
1
answer
476
views
Closed geodesics on constant positive Gauss curvature surfaces
Can we show that geodesics with a rational radius $ r_{mid-equator} =a q/p \,(p>q ) $ at mid-equator on a spindle type surface of revolution of constant Gauss curvature $ (K=1/a^2 \, $in $\, \...
- 917
1
vote
1
answer
570
views
Continuity of the differential flow under a perturbation of the vector field
Suppose $v$ is a (possibly time-dependent) vector field on a compact manifold $M$.
Its flow is a mapping $g: M \times \mathbb{R} \rightarrow M$, where $g$ satisfies the following conditions (written ...
6
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Where to find the results of Onishchik?
I would like to have a good reference where the results in
"Inclusion relations between transitive compact transformation groups" https://mathscinet.ams.org/mathscinet-getitem?mr=27:3740
can be ...
- 73
5
votes
1
answer
295
views
Existence of geodesic convex functions
By a result of Shing-Tung Yau [1974, Mathematische Annalen 207: 269-270], there are no non-trivial continuous geodesic convex functions on complete manifolds with finite volume.
What happened if we ...
- 1,991
2
votes
0
answers
195
views
Reference for connection of a Hessian metric
Let $(M,\langle \cdot,\cdot\rangle)$ be a pseudo-Riemannian manifold and $f: M \to \Bbb R$ be a smooth function. One can consider the covariant Hessian $\nabla ({\rm d}f)$. Some time ago I had seen a ...
- 1,163
3
votes
0
answers
347
views
The uniqueness of Poincaré metric
The Poincaré metric $ds=\frac{\sqrt{dx^2+dy^2}}{y}$ has the proprety that the action of the group $PSL(2,\mathbb{R})=SL(2,\mathbb{R})/\{\pm I_{2}\}$ on $\mathbb{H}$ preserves the hyperbolic distance.
...
- 31
1
vote
0
answers
272
views
A cohomology associated to a Riemannian manifold
Let $N$ be a compact Riemanian manifold and $G$ be its isometry group. Let $M=\chi^{\infty}(N)$ be the space of smooth vector fields on $N$. There is a natural right action of $G$ on $M$ with $X.g=g^*(...
- 356
12
votes
1
answer
281
views
Rigidity of doubled convex caps
Suppose that we have a convex cap, i.e., a convex surface in $R^3$ homeomorphic to a disk whose boundary lies in a plane. Reflect the cap through the plane of its boundary and glue it back to the ...
- 7,149
3
votes
2
answers
527
views
matrix-valued differential forms on complex manifolds
I'm pretty clear in my understanding of scalar-valued differential $(p, q)$-forms (resp. holomorphic $(p,0)$-forms) on a complex manifold $M$ and the related Hodge theory. What I'm not sure about is ...
- 349
18
votes
5
answers
4k
views
What are good Morse Theory lecture notes and books?
Searching on the net I couldnt find any recent lecture/course notes on Morse Theory. I found an old set of notes (http://www.math.toronto.edu/mgualt/Morse%20Theory/mfp.pdf) by Mike Hutchings and these ...
- 2,246
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
Approximation of a continuous function by a smooth one on an open set
I'm interested in the following kind of theorems :
Let $M$ be a real analytic manifold and $U$ an open set of $M$. Let $f : U \to \mathbb{R}$ a continuous function. Then, there is a $C_{\infty}$ ...
- 193
1
vote
1
answer
231
views
The bundle of symmetric affine connections as quotient of the second-order frame bundle
This post is not about finding an answer to a certain problem - because the answer already exists - but rather about finding the simplest possible answer.
The problem is: how to define the bundle $C(...
- 2,527
5
votes
1
answer
360
views
How can I prove that $(n-1)$-dimensional manifold is not contained in a $(n-2)$-dimensional affine variety?
I am having trouble proving the following statement, which I think is true (and possibly very basic). Let $M$ be a real differentiable manifold of dimension $(n-1)$ sitting inside $\mathbb{R}^n$. Let $...
- 3,625
5
votes
1
answer
153
views
An estimate on deviation of two smooth tangent $J$-holomorphic curves
Take $\mathbb C^2$ with coordinates $(z,w)$. Suppose that $J$ is a $C^{\infty}$ almost complex structure on $\mathbb C^2$ such that the line $w=0$ is $J$-holomorphic and $J(0,0)$ is given by $(z,w)\to ...
- 14.3k
16
votes
4
answers
2k
views
References on Gerbes
I am looking for some references related to gerbes and their differential geometry. Almost every article I have seen that is related to gerbes there is a common reference that is Giraud's book ...
- 6,023
10
votes
2
answers
526
views
Two smooth tangent almost complex curves in a $4$-manifold
I would like to know if following is correct.
Statement. Suppose we have a smooth (i.e., $C^\infty$) almost complex structure on $\mathbb R^4$ and $C_1, C_2$ are two $J$-holomorphic curves passing ...
- 14.3k
5
votes
1
answer
186
views
Reference for Weyl's law for higher order operators on closed Riemannian manifolds
I am looking at page 32 (beginning of Chapter 5) here. We are given a formally self-adjoint, metrically defined differential operator $A$ on $(M^n,g)$ of order $2l$ with positive definite leading ...
- 153
2
votes
0
answers
75
views
Notation and geometry facts in a paper on the Diederich-Fornæss index
I am reading this article by Bingyuan Liu on the Diederich-Fornæss index.
I am having some problems with both the notation and the geometrical side.
1)I don't know what kind of objects $N,L$ are ...
- 779
3
votes
0
answers
112
views
Is the square root of curl^2-1/2 a natural (Dirac-)operator?
In current computations on a particular $3$-dimensional Riemannian manifold, a first order differential operator $D:\Gamma^\infty(TM,M)\to \Gamma^\infty(TM,M)$ acting on vector fiels shows up, with ...
- 1,942
1
vote
1
answer
291
views
What is the status of the smooth version of bellows conjecture
Bellows conjecture for polyhedra was setteled in 1997. How about the smooth version of it, ie bending of closed 2D submanifolds in $\mathbb{R}^3$ while preserving the Riemannian structure/intrinsic ...
- 1,117
1
vote
0
answers
126
views
Flows commuting with Anosov flows and further reference request
Hello respected members of Mathoverflow. I was reading the paper "Flots d’Anosov dont les feuilletages stables sont différentiables" by Etienne Ghys and there was a statement which he remarked was ...
- 229
4
votes
0
answers
133
views
Different components of real sections for twistor spaces of hyper-Kähler manifolds
A hyper-Kähler manifold is a Riemannian manifold $(M,g)$ equipped with 3 complex structures $I,J,K$ obeying the quaternionic relations and such that $g$ is a Kähler metric for each complex structure. ...
- 6,825
6
votes
0
answers
388
views
What’s the limit of a vector bundle?
In geometric measure theory, there’s an answer to the question “what’s the limit of a family of submanifolds”, namely there’s some kind of object called an integral current.
In the geometric ...
- 8,723
2
votes
0
answers
66
views
A boundary for integrals of eigenfunctions over geodesics?
Let $X$ be a compact hyperbolic surface, and $\gamma$ a closed geodesic on it.
Consider the integral
$$\int_\gamma f(x)\, dl(x)$$
where $f$ is a (normalized) Laplace eigenfunction on $X$. ...
- 6,891
3
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Prerequisites for reading characteristic classes
Can some one tell me what are the prerequisites for learning characteristic classes as they are in book Foundations of Differential geometry by Kobayashi and Nomizu.
I only read first two chapters of ...
- 6,023
11
votes
1
answer
529
views
Length decreasing homotopies of curves
Let $M$ be smooth compact riemannian manifold with boundary and $\varphi_0: S^1\to M$ be a rectifiable curve (or a smooth one). I would like to find a reference to the following statement:
Statement. ...
- 14.3k
9
votes
1
answer
874
views
Proofs that the conformal group in dimension $\ge 3$ is a Lie group
Let $M$ be a smooth manifold of dimension $\ge 3$, equipped with a conformal structure (or a Riemannian metric). Then, the group of conformal diffeomorphisms is a finite dimensional Lie group.
A ...
- 6,741
15
votes
1
answer
951
views
Duistermaat and Kolk's lost chapters on Lie groups
In Duistermaat and Kolk's book Lie Groups, it is written in the preface that "the text contains references to chapters belonging to a future volume". I could not find this second volume anywhere. Has ...
- 151
2
votes
0
answers
133
views
Variational computations using the moving frame
I'm attempting to learn how to do variational calculus using the method of moving frames, similar to Robert Bryant's answer found here:
Variation of curvature with respect to immersion?
To that end, ...
- 161
1
vote
0
answers
150
views
A vector field over a complex riemannian manifold
Let be a complex riemannian manifold $(M,g,J)$. Is the following canonical vector field studied ?
$$
X_J = \sum_{i=1}^{2n} \nabla^{LC}_{e_i}e_i +\nabla^{LC}_{Je_i}Je_i+ J[e_i,Je_i],
$$
with the $(e_i)...
- 377
4
votes
0
answers
343
views
Riemannian metrics on a manifold with corners
For a smooth manifold with corners (although maybe there is no universally agreed definition of it), is there always a Riemannian metric making every face totally geodesic?
Is there any reference ...
- 803
5
votes
0
answers
444
views
Textbooks in differential geometry that treat $C^k$ manifolds
I am looking for textbooks in differential geometry that treat $C^k$ manifolds right from the start. Ideally, the textbook should maintain this general point of view through all chapters and ...
- 5,327
16
votes
1
answer
733
views
Where was $I_x/I_x^2$ first introduced? (DG or AG)
Cotangent space appears in both differential geometry (DG) and algebraic geometry (AG).
In DG, given a smooth manifold $M$ and $x\in M$ one has an isomorphism $I_x/I_x^2 \cong T^*_xM$, where $I_x$ is ...
- 1,615
1
vote
0
answers
162
views
Gromov-Hausdorff relative compactness without curvature restrictions
A famous theorem of Gromov says that the set of compact Riemannian manifolds with $Ric \geq c$ and $\text{diam} \leq D$ is relatively compact in the Gromov-Hausdorff metric. Chapter 10 of the book by ...
- 1,407
6
votes
3
answers
561
views
Smale's theorem for $C^1$ diffeomorphisms of the sphere
In 1926 Kneser showed that homeomorphisms of $\mathbf{S}^2$ admit a retraction into the orthogonal group $O(3)$. Smale extended this result to Diffeomorphisms of $\mathbf{S}^2$ in 1958; however, in ...
- 7,149
11
votes
1
answer
940
views
Equivariant sections of fiber bundles
One of the fundamental facts in fiber bundle theory is the following result for existence and extension of sections (see Thm. 9 in this paper of Palais, and compare with Thm. 12.2 in Steenrod's book):...
- 7,149
10
votes
3
answers
541
views
Curvature of the boundary vs. normal derivative of the first eigenfunction
Disclaimer. I posted this question in Math.SE, but it haven't received enough attention.
Let $\varphi_1$ be the first eigenfunction of the zero Dirichlet Laplacian in a planar bounded domain $\Omega$....
- 201
4
votes
0
answers
97
views
One-dimensional harmonic map flow with low regularity
My question is the following:
What is the minimum regularity for a continuous loop $\gamma: S^1 \rightarrow M$ in a Riemannian manifold $M$ to have short-time existence for the harmonic map flow in ...
- 9,853
3
votes
4
answers
3k
views
References on principal G bundle and connections
I am trying to understand about principal G bundle given a Lie group $G$. For that, I started with the action of Lie groups on manifold $M$ and convinced myself that if the action is smooth, proper, ...
- 6,023
5
votes
0
answers
139
views
References on differential geometry and low-tech surveying
Apologies if this is a duplicate question, putting the word "surveying" into a search on this site is not very effective.
I'm interested in science education, and I was recently reminded of the old ...
- 639
3
votes
0
answers
74
views
Deforming a non-positively curved Riemannian manifold into a negatively curved one
Cheeger deformations can be used to deform some non-negatively curved Riemannian manifolds into positively curved manifolds (e.g., sectional curvatures strictly positve), see
What is a Cheeger ...
- 1,942
9
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Is there a book on differential geometry that doesn't mention the notion of charts?
What are some books/texts that use chart free coordinate free language for things otherwise written in a coordinate based formulation? I would like to learn about covariant differentiation, curvature, ...
- 319
17
votes
5
answers
883
views
Rigidity of convex polyhedrons in $\mathbb R^3$ with faces removed
Take a convex polyhedron $P$ in $\mathbb R^3$ and remove all the faces, i.e. leave only the edges. Call this graph $E$. Let us now try to continuously deform $E$ in $\mathbb R^3$ so that all the edges ...
- 14.3k
6
votes
0
answers
270
views
Varying a $J$-holomorphic sphere in a symplectic $4$-manifolds
I am certain that the following result holds, but was not able to find a reference. Do you know one? Or maybe you can give a short proof?
Statement. Let $(M^4,\omega)$ be a compact symlectic manifold ...
- 14.3k