The Gursky-Streets equations (Q832471)

In [\textit{M. Gursky} and \textit{J. Streets}, Geom. Topol. 22, No. 6, 3501--3573 (2018; Zbl 1500.53042)] a formal Riemannian metric on the space of conformal metrics in a fixed conformal class of a compact Riemannian four-manifold was introduced in the context of the \(\sigma_2\)-Yamabe problem. Recall that the \(\sigma_2\)-Yamabe problem is asking for a metric \(g_u =e^{-2u}g\) in a fixed conformal class \([g]\), such that \[ \sigma_2 (g_u^{-1}A_u) \equiv \text{const}, \] where \(A\) is the Schouten tensor of a given metric and \(\sigma_2\) is defined to be the \(2\)-symmetric function of the eigenvalues of \(g^{-1}A\). Establishing some regularity results for the geodesic equation, it was then proved that the solution to the \(\sigma_2\)-Yamabe problem is unique (existence of such a solution was well known). In the paper under review, the author strengthens the regularity results mentioned. For this, several new tools, such as the concavity of the Gursky-Streets operator and a convexity result for certain matrices, are established. This leads to a significant simplification of the arguments used to establish uniqueness of the solution to the \(\sigma_2\)-Yamabe problem.