Isoparametric foliations and critical sets of eigenfunctions (Q2406022)

The authors find three eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on the minimal isoparametric hypersurface \(M^n\) in the \((n+1)\)-sphere with 4 distinct principal curvatures. The three eigenfunctions, denoted by \(\varphi_1\), \(\varphi_2\) and \(\varphi_3\), correspond to the eigenvalues \(n\), \(2n\) and \(3n\) respectively, and have the property that \(\varphi_1\) and \(\varphi_3\) each have 8 critical points, while \(\varphi_2\) has infinitely many critical points, the critical set being the union of two submanifolds. Consequently, the number of critical points of the eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on a compact Riemannian manifold need not be monotone increasing with the eigenvalues. A similar property holds on one of \(M\)'s focal submanifolds. This answers negatively a question raised by \textit{S.-T. Yau} [Semin. differential geometry, Ann. Math. Stud. 102, 669--706 (1982; Zbl 0479.53001)]. An earlier counterexample appeared in [\textit{D. Jakobson} and \textit{N. Nadirashvili}, J. Differ. Geom. 53, No. 1, 177--182 (1999; Zbl 1038.58036)].