On the bottom of spectra under coverings (Q1745318)

Let \(M\) be a connected Riemannian manifold which need not be complete. Let \(\Delta\) be the scalar Laplacian and let \(V\) be a smooth potential. If \(f\) is a non-vanishing Lipschitz continuous function on \(M\) with compact support, consider the Rayleigh quotient and eigenvalue bound \[ R(f):=\frac{\int_M(\|\nabla f\|^2+Vf^2)}{\int_Mf^2}\text{ and }\lambda_0(M,V)=\inf R(f)\,. \] If \(\lambda_0(M,f)>-\infty\), then \(\lambda_0(M,f)\) is the bottom of the spectrum of the Friedrichs extension of the Schröding operator \(\Delta+V\) acting on the space of smooth functions with compact support. Assume \(M\) is simply connected. If \(\Gamma_i\) are deck groups, let \(\pi:M\rightarrow M/\Gamma\) be the associated covering projection. Assume \(V\) is invariant under the action of \(\Gamma_i\) and hence defines a function \(V_i\) on \(M/\Gamma_i\). Theorem: If \(\Gamma_1\subset\Gamma_0\), then \(\lambda_0(M/\Gamma_0,V_0)\leq\lambda_0(M/\Gamma_1,V_1)\). If the right action of \(\Gamma_0\) on \(\Gamma_1\backslash\Gamma_0\) is amenable, then equality holds. The first section contains an introduction to the problem and a statement of results. The second section deals with fundamental domains and partitions of unity. The third section treats ``pulling up'' and the fourth section treats ``pushing down''.