An intrinsic rigidity theorem for minimal submanifolds in a sphere (Q1203530)

By using the Lagrange method to calculate the maximum, the authors firstly give an algebraic proposition about the matrix inequality. Then, applying this proposition, they establish the following rigidity theorem: Let \(M\) be an \(n\)-dimensional compact minimal submanifold in \(S^{n+p}\), \(p \geq 2\). If the length square of the second fundamental form of \(M\) is not larger than \(2n/3\) everywhere, then \(M\) is either a totally geodesic submanifold or a Veronese surface in \(S^ 4\). The pinching constant \(2n/3\) is better than those obtained by other authors [e.g., cf. the reviewer, Sci. China, Ser. A 32, No. 7, 769-781 (1989; Zbl 0686.53056].