The second Dirac eigenvalue of a nearly parallel \(G_{2}\)-manifold (Q1934337)

Let \((M^n,g)\) be a compact Riemannian spin manifold of non-negative scalar curvature \(s\). The author's inequality [Math. Nachr. 97, 117--146 (1980; Zbl 0462.53027)] says that the first eigenvalue \(\mu_1\) of the square of the Dirac operator \(D\) satisfies \(\mu_1(D^2)\geq \frac{n}{4(n-1)}\min_{M^n}s\), and equality is attained precisely in presence of a Killing spinor. This article addresses the problem of understanding the geometrical meaning of the second eigenvalue \(\mu_2\) of \(D^2\), especially concerning lower bounds. After general considerations on \(\mu_2\) valid in any dimension \(n\), the author determines the spectrum of \(D^2\) on classes of \(7\)-manifolds admitting Killing spinors, specifically nearly parallel \(G_2\)-manifolds [the author et al., J. Geom. Phys. 23, No. 3--4, 259--286 (1997; Zbl 0898.53038)] and Sasaki-Einstein \(7\)-manifolds.