On the rank and curvature of non-singular complex hypersurfaces in a complex projective space (Q2532556)

Let \(M\) be a compact connected complex hypersurface in the complex projective space \(P^{n+1}(\mathbb C)\) with Fubini-Study metric of constant holomorphic sectional curvature 1. The rank of the second fundamental form of \(M\) at a point \(x\) of \(M\) is determined by the curvature tensor of \(M\) at \(x\) and is called the rank of \(M\) at \(x\) [see \textit{K. Nomizu} and \textit{B. Smyth}, J. Math. Soc. Japan 20, 498--521 (1968; Zbl 0181.50103)]. The main theorem states as follows: \par If the rank of \(M\) is 1 at every point, then \(M\) is imbedded as a projective hyperplane in \(P^{n+1}(\mathbb C)\). \par This theorem is proved by reducing it, by a combination of a differential-geometric method and the well known theorem of Chow, to the following proposition which is of independent interest: \par If \(M\) is a compact complex hypersurface in \(P^{n+1}(\mathbb C)\) which contains a certain projective subspace \(P^{n-r}\), where \(2r\le n-1\), then \(M\) is a projective hyperplane.