Skew loops in flat tori (Q2467176)

Denote by \(G\) a discrete subgroup of \(\mathbb R^n\). A differentiable curve is called skew in the quotient group \(\mathbb R^n/G\) if no two of its tangents can be identified via an element of \(\mathbb R^n/G\). For \(g \in G\) an arc \(\alpha\) is called a \(g\)-homotopic loop if its endpoints differ by the vector~\(g\). The author gives an explicit construction of helical skew loops in each homotopically non-trival class of loops (skew loops in \(\mathbb R^n\) so are trivially in \(\mathbb R^n/G\)) and he characterizes those homotopy classes in \(\mathbb R^n/G\) that admit a skew loop having a given spherical curve \(\tau\) as tangent indicatrix. The main result states that a full-dimensional immersed loop \(\tau\) forms the tangent indicatrix of a \(g\)-homotopic skew loop in \(\mathbb R^n/G\) if and only if it has no points in common with its antipodal image and \(g\) lies in the interior of the convex cone of~\(\tau\). Skew loops (in particular those in \(\mathbb R^3\)) are objects with interesting geometric properties, compare the article by \textit{B. Segre} [Sulle coppie di tangenti fra loro parallele relative ad una curva chiusa sghemba (Hommage au L. Godeaux, 141--167) (1968; Zbl 0172.22701)] and the more recent articles by \textit{M. Ghomi} [Ann. Math. (2) 155, 281--293 (2002; Zbl 1013.53040)], \textit{M. Ghomi} and \textit{B. Solomon} [Comment. Math. Helv. 77, 767--782 (2002; Zbl 1029.53002)], and \textit{Y.-Q. Wu} [Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 34, No. 6, 681--690 (2002; Zbl 1030.57013)].