Sums of squares of complex vector fields and (analytic-) hypoellipticity (Q862046)

The authors consider the operator \[ P^F_{m,k}=L_m^F\overline{L_m^F}+\overline{L_m^F}| z| ^{2k}L_m^F, \quad L_m^F={\partial\over{\partial z}}+iF_z{\partial \over{\partial t}}, \] where \(F=F(z,\bar{z})\) is such that \(F_{z\bar{z}}=| z| ^{2(m-1)}g,\) with \(g(0)\not=0.\) In his celebrated paper [Ann. Math. (2) 162, No. 2, 943--986 (2005; Zbl 1107.35044)], \textit{J. J. Kohn} proved the hypoellipticity of this operator when \(F_z=\bar{z}\), showing a loss of derivatives of order \(k-1\), see also related work by \textit{M. Christ} [\url{arXiv:math.CV/0503506}], by \textit{C. Parenti} and \textit{A. Parmeggiani} [in: Hyperbolic problems and regularity questions. Basel: Birkhäuser. Trends in Mathematics, 151--158 (2007; Zbl 1124.35015)], and \textit{B. Street} [Math. Res. Lett. 13, No. 5--6, 703--711 (2006; Zbl 1117.35017)]. The authors prove here that \(P_{m,k}^F\) is \(C^\infty\) hypoelliptic with precise loss of \((k-1)/m\) derivatives, and also that \(P_{m,k}^F\) is \(C^\omega\) hypoelliptic. They show in addition that the loss of \((k-1)/m\) derivatives is optimal when \(F(z,\bar{z})=f(| z| ^2).\)