Equivariant Plateau problems (Q1027759)

Let \((M,Q)\) be a compact three-dimensional manifold of strictly negative sectional curvature, with universal cover \(\tilde{M}\), \(\partial \tilde{M}\) being the ideal boundary of \(M\). Let \((\Sigma, P)\) be a pointed closed orientable surface of genus \(\geq 2\). The author studies means of obtaining constant curvature realizations of homomorphisms of fundamental groups of \(M\) into the fundamental group of \(M\). The problem can be rephrased in terms of the so-called equivariant Plateau problem over \(\Sigma\). This notion was introduced by Labourie: Let \((\tilde{\Sigma},\tilde{P})\) be the universal cover of \((\Sigma,P)\). Let \(\theta:\pi_1(\Sigma,P)\to \pi_1(M,Q)\) be a homomorphism. A \textit{\(\theta\)-equivariant Plateau problem over \(\Sigma\)} is a function \(\varphi:\tilde{\Sigma}\to\partial\tilde{M}\) such that for all \(\gamma\) in \(\pi_1(\Sigma,P)\), we have \(\varphi\circ \gamma=\theta(\gamma)\circ \varphi\). The author proves that with the above notation, if \(\theta\) is \textit{non-elementary} in a certain sense and can be lifted to a homomorphism from \(\pi_1(\Sigma,P)\) into the component of the group of homeomorphisms of \(\partial \tilde{M}\) which contain the identity, then there exists an equivariant Plateau problem for \(\theta\). As a corollary, the author obtains that if \(\theta\) is non-elementary and lifts, then there exists a convex immersion \(\Sigma\to M\) that induces \(\theta\). The theorem and its corollary generalize a result of Gallo, Kapovich and Marden giving necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of complex projective structures with specified holonomy for manifolds of constant negative sectional curvature.