An equivariant version of the \(K\)-energy (Q2577857)

In [Acta Math. 184, 271--305 (2000; Zbl 1036.53052)], \textit{G. Tian} and \textit{X. Zhu} introduced a functional on the Kähler metrics of a compact Kähler manifold, which generalizes Mabuchi's K-energy and attains its minimum at the Kähler-Ricci solitons associated with a holomorphic vector field \(X\), i.e., at the Kähler metrics, whose Kähler and Ricci form satisfy \(\rho - \omega = \mathcal L_X \omega\) [see also \textit{G. Tian} and \textit{X. Zhu}, Comment. Math. Helv. 77, No. 2, 297--325 (2002; Zbl 1036.53053)]. In this paper, the author shows that such a functional can be obtained by integrating the equivariant Bott-Chern classes, associated with the \(S^1\) holomorphic action generated by the imaginary part of \(X\). The proof passes through the consideration of a generalization of the \(K\)-energy, whose associated Euler-Lagrange equation gives rise to new metrics which are analogous of the Kähler-Ricci solitons for the general extremal metrics of Calabi.