On the normal bundle of curves on smooth projective surfaces (Q1093698)

Let S be a smooth connected surface in projective space \({\mathbb{P}}^ n\) and C a curve on S. There is a natural inclusion of normal bundles \(j: N_{C/S}\to N_{C/{\mathbb{P}}^ n}.\) Griffiths, Harris, and Hulek [\textit{P. Griffiths} and \textit{J. Harris}, Compos. Math. 50, 207-264 (1983; Zbl 0576.14008) and \textit{J. Harris} and \textit{K. Hulek}, Math. Ann. 264, 129- 135 (1983; Zbl 0497.14025)] have shown that if S is a complete intersection, then j is a split monomorphism if and only if C is the complete intersection of S by a hypersurface. In the present note we investigate to which degree this equivalence holds for more general surfaces, not necessarily complete intersections. The answer is that given S, then the equivalence coincide on S and the hyperplane class on S is not divisible. Our approach gives a shorter proof also in the complete intersection case.