Lagrangian Grassmann manifold \(\Lambda(2)\) (Q722445)

Let \(\Lambda(n)\) denote the manifold of all Lagrangian subspaces of a \(2n\)-dimensional symplectic space \(\mathbb{R}^{2n}\), \(n\) some natural number. From (1.3) in [\textit{V. I. Arnol'd}, Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 1, No. 1, 1--14 (1967; Zbl 0175.20303)], there is a map \(\operatorname{Det}^2 : \Lambda(n) \rightarrow \mathbb{S}^1\), and \(S\Lambda(n) := \{ \lambda\in\Lambda(n)\mid \operatorname{Det}^2(\lambda)=1 \} \) is a manifold. By [\textit{Y. Long}, Sci. China, Ser. A 34, No. 8, 897--907 (1991; Zbl 0746.15006)], the symplectic group \(\mathrm{Sp}(2)\) may be mapped diffeomorphically onto some subset of \(\mathbb{R}^3\). Using this map the author describes \(\Lambda(2)\) twofold as a quotient space of \(\mathbb{S}^2 \times I\) and of \(D^1\times \mathbb{S}^1\), where \(I\) is the unit interval and \(D^1\) a disk in \(\mathbb{R}^2\). He shows that \(\Lambda(2)\) contains homeomorphic images of \(\mathbb{S}^1\) and of a one-sheeted hyperboloid. Further results are that \(S\Lambda(2)\) contains a homeomorph of \(\mathbb{R}^2\) and itself is homeomorphic to \(\mathbb{S}^2\). Finally, he gives a formula for rotation paths in \(\Lambda(2)\) (cf. (1.4.3) in Arnol'd [loc. cit.]) with respect to his geometric models.