Hamiltonian loops from the ergodic point of view (Q1280735)

Summary: Let \(G\) be the group of Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms of a closed symplectic manifold \(Y\). A loop \(h:S^1\to G\) is called strictly ergodic if for some irrational number \(\alpha\) the associated skew product map \(T:S^1 \times Y\to S^1 \times Y\) defined by \(T(t,y)= (t+\alpha, h(t)y)\) is strictly ergodic. In the present paper, we address the following question. Which elements of the fundamental group of \(G\) can be represented by strictly ergodic loops? We prove existence of contractible strictly ergodic loops for a wide class of symplectic manifolds (for instance, for simply connected ones). Further, we find a restriction on the homotopy classes of smooth strictly ergodic loops in the framework of Hofer's bi-invariant geometry on \(G\). Namely, we prove that their asymptotic Hofer's norm must vanish. This result provides a link between ergodic theory and symplectic topology.