Sub-Riemannian calculus on hypersurfaces in Carnot groups (Q2381964)

A sub-Riemannian calculus for hypersurfaces in graded nilpotent Lie groups is developed. The motivation is given by possible applications of this calculus to the study of the non-characteristic Bernstein problem and the regularity theory of hypersurfaces of constant mean curvature. Appropriate geometric notions such as horizontal Levi-Civita connection, second fundamental form, and horizontal Laplace-Beltrami operator are introduced. Special attention is paid to the Carnot groups which play an important role in optimal control and robotics, crystallography, mathematical finance and neurophysiology of the brain. The relevant minimal surfaces are analyzed and some basic formulas for integration by parts are established. The general first and second variation formulas for the horizontal perimeter in the Heisenberg group are obtained and their geometric meaning is studied. Comparisons with results of other authors are also presented.