Congruences on \(G(1,4)\) with split universal quotient bundle (Q2499071)

Let \(X\) be a subvariety in \({\mathbb G}(k,N)\), the Grassmann variety of \(k\)-planes in the projective space \({\mathbb P}^{N}\). It is known that the geometry of a subvariety \(X\) in \({\mathbb G}(k,N)\) is given by the restriction to \(X\) of the universal quotient bundle \({\mathcal Q}\) of rank \(k+1\). Hence one is interested in having as much information as possible of such restriction. If \(X\) is a subvariety in \({\mathbb G}(1,N)\) and if its dimension is \(N-1\) then \(X\) is also called a congruence. The case of surfaces in \({\mathbb G}(1,3)\) was considered in [\textit{E. Arrondo, I. Sols}, On congruences of lines in the projective space. (Chapter 6 written in collaboration with M. Pedreira). Mém. Soc. Math. Fr., Nouv. Sér. (1992; Zbl 0804.14016)], where a classification of all smooth surfaces of \({\mathbb G}(1,3)\) for which the restriction of the universal quotient bundle splits is given. In the paper under review the authors consider congruences in \({\mathbb G}(1,4)\), that is smooth \(3\)-fold in the Grassmann variety of lines in \({\mathbb P}^{4}\). They are interested in classifying all congruences \(X\) in \({\mathbb G}(1,4)\) for which \({\mathcal Q}_{| X}\), the restriction to \(X\) of the universal quotient bundle, is a direct sum of two line bundles. At first they give a list of examples of congruences with split universal bundle and subsequently they prove that the list given is indeed the complete list. The same kind of problem for the universal subbundle of rank three was solved by \textit{E. Arrondo} [Collect. Math. 49 (2/3), 173--183 (1998; Zbl 0959.14030)].