Applications of symplectic homology. II: Stability of the action spectrum (Q2365045)

The action spectrum is an invariant of a closed odd-dimensional manifold \(M\) equipped with a contact form \(\lambda\). It generalizes the length spectrum in the study of closed geodesics in Riemannian geometry. Assume \(M\) is the boundary of a compact symplectic manifold \((W,\omega)\), where the symplectic structure is compatible with the contact form. It is shown under purely topological assumptions on \((W,\omega)\) and a nondegeneracy on \(\lambda\) that the action spectrum of \(M\) can be recovered from the sole knowledge of the interior of \(W\). The proof of this fact uses symplectic homology theory. This positive result contrasts recent examples which show that the action spectrum of a Hamiltonian flow on the boundary of a compact symplectic manifold \(W\) cannot be recovered from the interior of \(W\). [For part I of this paper see \textit{A. Floer}, \textit{H. Hofer}, and \textit{K. Wysocki}, ibid. 217, No. 4, 577-606 (1994; see the preceding review Zbl 0869.58012)].