Actions of Hermann type and proper complex equifocal submanifolds (Q2574464)

Let \(G/K\) be a symmetric space and \(H\) a symmetric subgroup of \(G\), i.e., the group of all fixed points of an involution of \(G\). The \(H\)-action on \(G/K\) is called the Hermann action. It is known that a hyperpolar action on the symmetric space of compact type is a Hermann action or a cohomogeneity one action. Moreover, each principal orbit of a hyperpolar action on a symmetric space of compact type is an equifocal submanifold. Conversely any homogeneous equifocal submanifold is catched as a principal orbit of a hyperpolar action. For submanifolds in a symmetric space of noncompact type, such rigidity does not hold. The author introduces complex equifocality for a submanifold in symmetric spaces of noncompact type using Jacobi fields. If there exists a complete flat totally geodesic submanifold meeting all \(H\)-orbits orthogonally, then the \(H\)-action on \(G/K\) is called complex hyperpolar. Let \(M\) be a submanifold in \(G/K\), \(R\) the curvature tensor of \(G/K\) and \(A\) the shape operator of \(M\). If for each normal vector \(v\) of \(M\), \(R( \quad , v)v\) preserves \(T_xM\) and commutes with \(A_v\), then \(M\) is called a curvature adapted submanifold. The main theorem states that principal orbits of an action of Hermann type on a symmetric space of noncompact type are curvature adapted and proper complex equifocal. There is another theorem which states that actions of Hermann type on a symmetric space of noncompact type are complex hyperpolar.