\(L^2\) proof of Nishino's rigidity theorem (Q2216693)

\textit{T. Nishino} [J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 9, 221--274 (1969; Zbl 0192.43703)] proved a rigidity result for Stein surfaces: Let \(X\) be a Stein surface with a submersion \(\pi: X\longrightarrow \mathbb{D}\) onto the unit disk in \(\mathbb{C}\) such that every fiber of \(\pi\) is holomorphically equivalent to \(\mathbb{C}\). Then \(\pi\) is holomorphically equivalent to the projection \(\mathbb{C}\times\mathbb{D}\longrightarrow\mathbb{D}\). Different proofs of this result have been obtained by \textit{H. Yamaguchi} [J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 16, 71--92 (1976; Zbl 0326.32007)] and \textit{E. M. Chirka} [Russ. Math. Surv. 67, No. 6, 1091--1165 (2012); translation from Usp. Mat. Nauk 67, No. 6, 125--202 (2012; Zbl 1266.30027)]. In this paper, the author obtains yet another proof of Nishino's theorem. It is based on an \(L^2\) extension theorem proved by the author in a previous paper.