The first eigenvalues of finite Riemannian covers (Q1587380)

If \((M,g)\) is a compact Riemannian manifold, let \(\lambda_1(M,g)\) be the first eigenvalue of the Laplace operator acting on scalar functions. If \(\pi:\widetilde M\rightarrow M\) is a finite covering projection and if \(g\) is a metric on \(M\), let \(\widetilde g\) be the induced metric on \(\widetilde M\). Since \(\pi^*\) pulls back eigenfunctions of the Laplacian, one has the inequality: \(\lambda_1(\widetilde M,\widetilde g)\leq\lambda_1(M,g)\). Let \(\pi:S^n\rightarrow RP^n\) be the canonical double cover from the sphere to real projective space of dimension \(n\). In a previous paper, the author showed that there is no metric \(g_2\) on \(RP^2\) so that \(\lambda_1(RP^2,g_2)=\lambda_1(S^2,\widetilde g_2)\), i.e., the inequality cited above is never an equality. In the present paper the author shows that if \(n\geq 3\), then there is a Riemannian metric \(g_n\) on \(RP^n\) so that \(\lambda_1(RP^n,g_n)=\lambda_1(S^n,\widetilde g_n)\). More generally, let \(\pi:S^n\rightarrow L^n\) where \(L^n\) is a lens space of dimension \(n=2k-1\geq 3\). The author shows that \(L^n\) admits a metric \(g_n\) so \(\lambda_1(L^n,g_n)=\lambda_1(S^n,\widetilde g_n)\). Similar results are established in other contexts.