The \(G_{2}\) sphere of a 4-manifold (Q1042466)

The authors consider \(G_2\) structure existing on the unit sphere tangent bundle \(S_M\) of any given orientable Riemannian 4-manifold \(M\). A \(G_2\) structure is entirely determined by a non-degenerate 3-form \(\phi\). If \(d\phi=0\), then \(\phi\) is said to be calibrated and, if \(\delta\phi=0\), then structure is known as co-calibrated. The authors show that \(\phi\) is co-calibrated if and only if \(M\) is an Einstein manifold. Applying this result to some simple cases of compact Riemannian 4-manifolds they obtain new examples of co-calibrated \(G_2\) spaces.