Higher dimensional steady Ricci solitons with linear curvature decay (Q2216754)

\textit{G. Perelman} conjectured in [arXiv e-print service 2002, Paper No. 0211159, 39 p. (2002; Zbl 1130.53001)] that \textit{any 3-dimensional \(\kappa\)-noncollapsed steady (gradient) Ricci soliton must be rotationally symmetric}. The problem has been solved by \textit{S. Brendle} [Invent. Math. 194, No. 3, 731--764 (2013; Zbl 1284.53044)]. This conjecture was generalized in higher dimensions, as follows: \textit{Any \(n\)-dimensional (\(n\geq4\)) \(\kappa\)-noncollapsed steady (gradient) Ricci soliton with positive curvature operator must be rotationally symmetric.} In regard with this new conjecture, \textit{S. Brendle} proved in [J. Differ. Geom. 97, No. 2, 191--214 (2014; Zbl 1304.53042)] that {\em any steady (gradient) Ricci soliton with positive sectional curvature must be rotationally symmetric if it is asymptotically cylindrical}. A rotationally symmetric steady (gradient) Ricci soliton with positive sectional curvature is usually called the \textit{Bryant soliton}. In the present paper the authors prove that the conjecture is true if the scalar curvature of the steady Ricci soliton has a linear curvature decay. Let us emphasise two results: \begin{itemize} \item[\textbf{1.}] Let \((M, g)\) be a noncompact \(\kappa\)-noncollapsed steady (gradient) Ricci soliton with nonnegative curvature operator. Then, it is rotationally symmetric if its scalar curvature R(x) satisfies \(R(x)\leq C/\rho(x)\). \item[\textbf{2.}] Any \(4\)-dimensional noncompact \(\kappa\)-noncollapsed steady (gradient) Ricci soliton with nonnegative sectional curvature must be rotationally symmetric if it has a linear curvature decay. \end{itemize} This last result was conjectured to be true for all dimensions.