Essential conformal fields in pseudo-Riemannian geometry (Q1914542)

Let \(M^n_k\) be a pseudo-Riemannian manifold of signature \((k,n-k)\), carrying a conformal gradient field \(V=\nabla\psi\) with \(\nabla^2\psi=\lambda g\), \(\lambda\not\equiv 0\). \(M^n_k\) is said to be \(C\)-complete if the geodesics through critical points are defined on \(\mathbb{R}\) and fill \(M\). The authors construct (smooth or even analytic) manifolds carrying a complete conformal gradient field \(V\) with an arbitrary prescribed number \(N\geq 1\) of isolated zeros (possibly \(N=\infty\)). They prove that, if \(N\geq 1\), \(M^n_k\) is conformally flat, generalizing a result of \textit{Y. Kerbrat} [J. Differ. Geom. 11, 547-571 (1976; Zbl 0356.53019)]. The diffeomorphism type of \(M^n_k\) is determined by \(N\), and its conformal type belongs to the classes of the previously constructed manifolds.