Geometry and topology of submanifolds immersed in space forms and ellipsoids (Q1340420)

Let \(M^ m\), \(m\geq 3\), be a Riemannian manifold isometrically immersed in a simply connected space form of nonnegative sectional curvature \(c\). Let \(H(s)\) be the mean curvature vector field of the immersion (the square length of the second fundamental form). The main result of the paper reads: If \(M\) is compact, \(c\geq 0\), \(s<H^ 2/ (m-1)\) or \(M\) is complete, \(c>0\), \(s\leq H^ 2/ (m-1)\) then there are no stable \(p\)- currents in \(M\), hence \(H_ p (M,Z)=0\) for \(p=1, \dots,m -1\). Moreover, if \(m\geq 4\), \(M\) is homeomorphic with a sphere. This extends a theorem of \textit{M. Okumura} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 178, 285-291 (1973; Zbl 0257.53044)] where stronger conditions (flat normal bundle and parallel mean curvature vector) where assumed in order to derive the immersion totally umbilical. The proof relies on the properties of a linear operator introduced by the author in Bull. Aust. Math. Soc. 44, No. 2, 325-336 (1991; Zbl 0725.49016). In terms of this operator he also extends a result of \textit{H. B. Lawson jun.} and \textit{J.Simons} [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 98, 427-450 (1973; Zbl 0283.53049)] to the case of an ellipsoid ambient space.