Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Dennis The

Publications and source records attributed to Dennis The.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2025

Geometric realizations of the Lie superalgebra D(2,1;a)

For every parabolic subgroup $P$ of a Lie supergroup $G$, the homogeneous superspace $G/P$ carries a $G$-invariant supergeometry. We address the question whether $\mathfrak{g}=\text{Lie}(G)$ is the maximal supersymmetry of this supergeometry in the case of the exceptional Lie superalgebra $D(2,1;a)$. For each choice of parabolic $\mathfrak{p}\subset\mathfrak{g}$, we consider the corresponding negatively graded Lie subalgebra $\mathfrak{m}\subset\mathfrak{g}$, and compute its Tanaka--Weisfeiler prolongations, with reduction of the structure group when required, thus realizing $D(2,1;a)$ via symmetries of supergeometries. This gives 6 inequivalent supergeometries: one of these is a vector superdistribution, two are given by cone fields of supervarieties, and the remaining three are higher order structure reductions (a novel feature). We describe those supergeometries and realize $D(2,1;a)$ supersymmetry explicitly in each case.

math.DG↗
arXiv2024

Conformal structures with $G_2$-symmetric twistor distribution

For any 4D split-signature conformal structure, there is an induced twistor distribution on the 5D space of all self-dual totally null 2-planes, which is $(2,3,5)$ when the conformal structure is not anti-self-dual. Several examples where the twistor distribution achieves maximal symmetry (the split-real form of the exceptional simple Lie algebra of type $\mathrm{G}_2$) were previously known, and these include fascinating examples arising from the rolling of surfaces without twisting or slipping. Relaxing the rolling assumption, we establish a complete local classification result among those homogeneous 4D split-conformal structures for which the symmetry algebra induces a multiply-transitive action on the 5D space. Furthermore, we discuss geometric properties of these conformal structures such as their curvature, holonomy, and existence of Einstein representatives.

math.DG↗
arXiv2024

Symmetries of $(2,3,5)$-distributions and associated Legendrian cone structures

We exploit a natural correspondence between holomorphic $(2,3,5)$-distributions and nondegenerate lines on holomorphic contact manifolds of dimension $5$ to present a new perspective in the study of symmetries of $(2,3,5)$-distributions. This leads to a number of new results in this classical subject, including an unexpected relation between the multiply-transitive families of models having $7$- and $6$-dimensional symmetries, and a one-to-one correspondence between equivalence classes of nontransitive $(2,3,5)$-distributions with $6$-dimensional symmetries and nonhomogeneous nondegenerate Legendrian curves in $\mathbb{P}^3$. An ingredient for establishing the former is an explicit classification of homogeneous nondegenerate Legendrian curves in $\mathbb{P}^3$, which we present.

math.DG↗
arXiv2023

On Uniqueness of Submaximally Symmetric Vector Ordinary Differential Equations of C-Class

The fundamental invariants for vector ODEs of order $\ge 3$ considered up to point transformations consist of generalized Wilczynski invariants and C-class invariants. An ODE of C-class is characterized by the vanishing of the former. For any fixed C-class invariant ${\mathcal U}$, we give a local (point) classification for all submaximally symmetric ODEs of C-class with ${\mathcal U} \not \equiv 0$ and all remaining C-class invariants vanishing identically. Our results yield generalizations of a well-known classical result for scalar ODEs due to Sophus Lie. Fundamental invariants correspond to the harmonic curvature of the associated Cartan geometry. A key new ingredient underlying our classification results is an advance concerning the harmonic theory associated with the structure of vector ODEs of C-class. Namely, for each irreducible C-class module, we provide an explicit identification of a lowest weight vector as a harmonic 2-cochain.

math.DG↗
arXiv2022

Exceptionally simple super-PDE for $F(4)$

For the largest exceptional simple Lie superalgebra $F(4)$, having dimension $(24|16)$, we provide two explicit geometric realizations as supersymmetries, namely as the symmetry superalgebra of super-PDE systems of second and third order respectively.

math.DG↗
arXiv2022

Symmetry gaps for higher order ordinary differential equations

The maximal contact symmetry dimensions for scalar ODEs of order $\ge 4$ and vector ODEs of order $\ge 3$ are well known. Using a Cartan-geometric approach, we determine for these ODEs the next largest realizable (submaximal) symmetry dimension. Moreover, finer curvature-constrained submaximal symmetry dimensions are also classified.

math.DG↗
arXiv2022

A Cartan-theoretic classification of multiply-transitive $(2,3,5)$-distributions

In his 1910 paper, Élie Cartan gave a tour-de-force solution to the (local) equivalence problem for generic rank 2 distributions on 5-manifolds, i.e. $(2,3,5)$-distributions. From a modern perspective, these structures admit equivalent descriptions as (regular, normal) parabolic geometries modelled on a quotient of $G_2$, but this is not transparent from his article: indeed, the Cartan "connection" of 1910 is not a "Cartan connection" in the modern sense. We revisit the classification of multiply-transitive $(2,3,5)$-distributions from a modern Cartan-geometric perspective, incorporating $G_2$ structure theory throughout, obtaining: (i) the complete (local) classifications in the complex and real settings, phrased "Cartan-theoretically", and (ii) the full curvature and infinitesimal holonomy of all these models. Moreover, we Cartan-theoretically prove exceptionality of the $3:1$ ratio for two 2-spheres rolling on each other without twisting or slipping, yielding a $(2,3,5)$-distribution with symmetry the Lie algebra of the split real form of $G_2$.

math.DG↗
arXiv2021

On uniqueness of submaximally symmetric parabolic geometries

Among (regular, normal) parabolic geometries of type $(G,P)$, there is a locally unique maximally symmetric structure and it has symmetry dimension $\dim(G)$. The symmetry gap problem concerns the determination of the next realizable (submaximal) symmetry dimension. When $G$ is a complex or split-real simple Lie group of rank at least three or when $(G,P) = (G_2,P_2)$, we establish a local uniqueness result for submaximally symmetric structures of type $(G,P)$.

math.DG↗
arXiv2021

Classification of simply-transitive Levi non-degenerate hypersurfaces in $\mathbb{C}^3$

Holomorphically homogeneous CR real hypersurfaces $M^3 \subset \mathbb{C}^2$ were classified by Élie Cartan in 1932. In the next dimension, we complete the classification of simply-transitive Levi non-degenerate hypersurfaces $M^5 \subset \mathbb{C}^3$ using a novel Lie algebraic approach independent of any earlier classifications of abstract Lie algebras. Central to our approach is a new coordinate-free formula for the fundamental (complexified) quartic tensor. Our final result has a unique (Levi-indefinite) non-tubular model, for which we demonstrate geometric relations to planar equi-affine geometry.

math.DG↗
arXiv2020

G(3)-supergeometry and a supersymmetric extension of the Hilbert-Cartan equation

We realize the simple Lie superalgebra G(3) as supersymmetry of various geometric structures, most importantly super-versions of the Hilbert-Cartan equation (SHC) and Cartan's involutive PDE system that exhibit G(2) symmetry. We provide the symmetries explicitly and compute, via the first Spencer cohomology groups, the Tanaka-Weisfeiler prolongation of the negatively graded Lie superalgebras associated with two particular choices of parabolics. We discuss non-holonomic superdistributions with growth vector (2|4,1|2,2|0) deforming the flat model SHC, and prove that the second Spencer cohomology group gives a binary quadratic form, thereby providing a "square-root" of Cartan's classical binary quartic invariant for generic rank 2 distributions in a 5-dimensional space. Finally, we obtain super-extensions of Cartan's classical submaximally symmetric models, compute their symmetries and observe a supersymmetry dimension gap phenomenon.

math.DG↗
arXiv2017

On C-class equations

The concept of a C-class of differential equations goes back to E. Cartan with the upshot that generic equations in a C-class can be solved without integration. While Cartan's definition was in terms of differential invariants being first integrals, all results exhibiting C-classes that we are aware of are based on the fact that a canonical Cartan geometry associated to the equations in the class descends to the space of solutions. For sufficiently low orders, these geometries belong to the class of parabolic geometries and the results follow from the general characterization of geometries descending to a twistor space. In this article we answer the question of whether a canonical Cartan geometry descends to the space of solutions in the case of scalar ODEs of order at least four and of systems of ODEs of order at least three. As in the lower order cases, this is characterized by the vanishing of the generalized Wilczynski invariants, which are defined via the linearization at a solution. The canonical Cartan geometries (which are not parabolic geometries) are a slight variation of those available in the literature based on a recent general construction. All the verifications needed to apply this construction for the classes of ODEs we study are carried out in the article, which thus also provides a complete alternative proof for the existence of canonical Cartan connections associated to higher order (systems of) ODEs.

math.DG↗
arXiv2016

Jet-determination of symmetries of parabolic geometries

We establish 2-jet determinacy for the symmetry algebra of the underlying structure of any (complex or real) parabolic geometry. At non-flat points, we prove that the symmetry algebra is in fact 1-jet determined. Moreover, we prove 1-jet determinacy at any point for a variety of non-flat parabolic geometries - in particular torsion-free, parabolic contact, and several other classes.

math.DG↗
arXiv2016

Exceptionally simple PDE

We give local descriptions of parabolic contact structures and show how their flat models yield explicit PDE having symmetry algebras isomorphic to all complex simple Lie algebras except $\mathfrak{sl}_2$. This yields a remarkably uniform generalization of the Cartan-Engel models from 1893 in the $G_2$ case. We give a formula for the harmonic curvature of a $G_2$-contact structure and describe submaximally symmetric models for general $G$-contact structures.

math.DG↗
arXiv2016

Homogeneous integrable Legendrian contact structures in dimension five

We consider Legendrian contact structures on odd-dimensional complex analytic manifolds. We are particularly interested in integrable structures, which can be encoded by compatible complete systems of second order PDEs on a scalar function of many independent variables and considered up to point transformations. Using the techniques of parabolic differential geometry, we compute the associated regular, normal Cartan connection and give explicit formulas for the harmonic part of the curvature. The PDE system is trivializable by means of point transformations if and only if the harmonic curvature vanishes identically. In dimension five, the harmonic curvature takes the form of a binary quartic field, so there is a Petrov classification based on its root type. We give a complete local classification of all five-dimensional integrable Legendrian contact structures whose symmetry algebra is transitive on the manifold and has at least one-dimensional isotropy algebra at any point.

math.DG↗
arXiv2015

Submaximally symmetric c-projective structures

C-projective structures are analogues of projective structures in the complex setting. The maximal dimension of the Lie algebra of c-projective symmetries of a complex connection on an almost complex manifold of C-dimension $n>1$ is classically known to be $2n^2+4n$. We prove that the submaximal dimension is equal to $2n^2-2n+4+2δ_{3,n}$. If the complex connection is minimal (encoded as a normal parabolic geometry), the harmonic curvature of the c-projective structure has three components and we specify the submaximal symmetry dimensions and the corresponding geometric models for each of these three pure curvature types. If the connection is non-minimal, we introduce a modified normalization condition on the parabolic geometry and use this to resolve the symmetry gap problem. We prove that the submaximal symmetry dimension in the class of Levi-Civita connections for pseudo-Kähler metrics is $2n^2-2n+4$, and specializing to the Kähler case, we obtain $2n^2-2n+3$. This resolves the symmetry gap problem for metrizable c-projective structures.

math.DG↗
arXiv2014

The gap phenomenon in parabolic geometries

The infinitesimal symmetry algebra of any Cartan geometry has maximum dimension realized by the flat model, but often this dimension drops significantly when considering non-flat geometries, so a gap phenomenon arises. For general (regular, normal) parabolic geometries of type (G,P), we use Tanaka theory to derive a universal upper bound on the submaximal symmetry dimension. We use Kostant's version of the Bott-Borel-Weil theorem to show that this bound is in fact sharp in almost all complex and split-real cases by exhibiting (abstract) models. We explicitly compute all submaximal symmetry dimensions when G is any complex or split-real simple Lie group.

math.DG↗