On index number and topology of flag manifolds (Q5945502)

Let \(M_{\mathbb{C}}\) be a complex flag manifold. Then there exists an integer \(k_0(M_{\mathbb{C}}) \geq 2 \) such that \(M_{\mathbb{C}}\) carries, for every \(k \geq k_0(M_{\mathbb{C}})\) the structure of a \(k-\)symmetric space. Its \(k-\)number \(\#_k (M_{\mathbb{C}})\) then is the maximal cardinality of subsets of \(A_k \subset M\) such that for every \(x \in A_k\) the symmetry at \(x\) fixes every point of \(A_k\). For real flag manifolds \(M\) one defines the index number \(\#_I (M)\) in a related fashion. These numerical invariants have been investigated by several authors (also for more general compact manifolds). The goal of this paper is ``to give an interpretation and alternative proofs of [the known] results in the framework of symplectic topology and Morse theory. The relation to symplectic topology comes from the fact that every complex flag manifold can be realized as a coadjoint orbit of as connected, compact, semisimple real Lie group and hence carries a natural symplectic structure.'' `` ... the height functions in \(p\) restricted to a real flag manifold.... are generically Morse functions. This indicates the relation with Morse theory. The relation between symplectic topology and Morse theory in this context comes from the fact that a real flag manifold \(M\) can be realized as a connected component of the fixed point set of an antisymplectic involution on its complexification \(M_{\mathbb{C}})\). The main tools in our studies are the moment mappings of Hamiltonian torus actions and the convexity theorems by Atiyah [Zbl 0482.58013], Guillemin-Sternberg [Zbl 0503.58017] and Kostant [Zbl 0293.22019] for such actions on compact symplectic manifolds, and by Duistermaat [Zbl 0504.58020] on fixed point sets of antisymplectic involutions on such manifolds.'' Finally, it is shown, among other things ``.... that the index number \(\#_I(M)\) of a real flag manifold \(M\) coincides with the smallest number of cells that are needed for a CW-complex structure.''