Applications of Toponogov's comparison theorems for open triangles (Q2393587)

The authors compare a Riemannian manifold \(X\) with convex boundary to a ``model'' surface \(\tilde{X}\). A model surface is a warped product with boundary: \(\tilde{X} = [0,\infty) \times \mathbb{R}\), \(ds^2 = dx^2+f(x)^2 \, dy^2\). Take a 2-plane \(v \wedge w\) in some tangent space of \(X\), where \(v\) is the velocity of a unit speed minimal geodesic emerging from the boundary \(\partial X\), and \(w\) is any unit vector perpendicular to \(v\). The authors define a radial curvature of a manifold with boundary as the sectional curvature of any such 2-plane. The authors consider a manifold with convex boundary, whose radial curvatures at a given distance from the boundary are bounded by those of the model at the same distance from the boundary. They prove three results about such a manifold \(X\): (1) if the model surface \(\tilde{X}\) satisfies \(\int f^{-2} = \infty\) then \(X=[0,\infty) \times \partial X\) and (2) if \(f(x) \to 0\) as \(x \to \infty\) then \(X\) is diffeomorphic to \([0,\infty) \times \partial X\), and finally (3) if \(\partial X\) is disconnected and the radial curvature of \(X\) is nonnegative, then \(X=[0,\ell] \times Y\) for some connected component \(Y\) of \(\partial X\). Their theorems generalize theorems of Burago and Zalgaller. The proofs rely on the authors' previous work, a comparison theorem for ``open triangles''. An open triangle means a triple of minimizing geodesic segments, the first and third reaching out from the boundary, and then meeting the second at corners.