Bounded cohomology classes from differential forms

Abstract

Let $M$ be a complete hyperbolic $n$-manifold, $n\geq 2$. Via integration over geodesic simplices, any closed bounded differential 2-form on $M$ defines a bounded cohomology class in $H^2_b(M)$. It was proved by Barge and Ghys (for $n=2$) and by Battista et al. (for $n>2$) that, if $M$ is closed, then this procedure defines an injective embedding of the (infinite-dimensional) space of closed differential $2$-forms on $M$ into $H^2_b(M)$. We extend this result to the case when the fundamental group of $M$ is of the first kind, i.e. its limit set is equal to the whole boundary at infinity of hyperbolic space (this holds, for example, when $M$ has finite volume). Our argument is different from Barge and Ghys' original one, and relies on the following fact of independent interest: an $L^\infty$ function on the hyperbolic plane is determined by its integrals over all ideal triangles. We prove this fact by way of Fourier analysis on the hyperbolic plane.