A new proof of Okaji's theorem for a class of sum of squares operators (Q1013025)

In this paper the authors give a nice, simple and self-contained proof of the following result. Theorem. Let \(\Omega\subset{\mathbb R}^N\) be open and let \(X_1,\ldots,X_k\) be real-valued, real-analytic vector fields on \(\Omega\) which satisfy Hörmander's condition. Let \(P=X_1^2+\ldots+X_k^2\), and let \(\Sigma\) be the characteristic set of \(P\). Let \(\rho\in\Sigma\) and suppose that, near \(\rho\), \(\Sigma\) is a symplectic Poisson stratum of codimension \(2\). Then \(P\) is analytic hypoelliptic at \(\rho\). The latter means that whenever \(u\in{\mathcal D}'(\Omega)\), \(\rho\not\in\text{WF}_A(Pu)\) yields \(\rho\not\in\text{WF}_A(u),\) where \(\text{WF}_A(u)\) denotes the analytic wave-front set of the distribution \(u\). This result was first proven by \textit{T.Okaji} in [J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 25, 489--514 (1985; Zbl 0593.35027)], and this establishes the validity of Treves' conjecture (see [\textit{F. Treves}, Differential equations: La Pietra 1996. Conference on differential equations marking the 70th birthdays of Peter Lax and Louis Nirenberg, Villa La Pietra, Florence, Italy, July 3-7, 1996. Providence, RI: AMS. Proc. Symp. Pure Math. 65, 201-219 (1999; Zbl 0938.35038)]) in the codimension \(2\) case. By making a careful study of symplectic Poisson strata of codimension 2, the authors are able to select a special coordinate system which is convenient for the analysis. Then the proof uses a version of Sjöstrand's FBI transform, specially suited to the authors' needs, and a Green's function for an associated ordinary differential operator.