The differential form spectrum of manifolds of positive curvature (Q1210430)

Let \(M\) be a complete non-compact Riemannian manifold with nonnegative sectional curvature. This paper considers spectral properties of the Laplace-Hodge operator on \(L^ 2\) \(p\)-forms along with vanishing theorems for harmonic forms. Topologically an \(M\) of this type contains a totally convex closed submanifold, \(S\) say (Cheeger/Gromoll). Under rather technical conditions on \(S\) guaranteeing that the normal bundle NS is mapped diffeomorphically onto \(M\) (under the exponential map) and under stringent conditions on the radial sectional curvature, it is shown that there are no harmonic \(p\)-forms. Analogous results are then also demonstrated for manifolds with poles, again having nonnegative radial sectional curvature.