The Lichnerowicz-Obata theorem for the Kohn Laplacian in three dimensions (Q2656130)

By the classical Lichnerowicz-Obata theorem, if \((M^n, g)\) is a closed Riemannian manifold with \(\mathrm{Ric}\geq (n-1) \kappa>0\), then the first nonzero eigenvalue \(\lambda_1(-\Delta)\) of the Laplacian on functions is \(\geq n\kappa\). Moreover, equality holds if an only if our Riemannian manifold is isometric to the round \(n\)-sphere of the constant curvature \(\kappa\). In the case of the Kohn Laplacian \(\Box_b=2\overline\partial_b^\ast\overline\partial_b\), \textit{S. Chanillo} et al. have proved in [Duke Math. J. 161, No. 15, 2909--2921 (2012; Zbl 1271.32040)] an analogous of this theorem, taking into account the two subtle differences with the Riemannian case: a) \(\ker \Box_b\) is generally infinite dimensional, b) a certain assumption on the CR Paneitz operator can not be removed. These results were generalized later on in particular by Li, Son, Wang and Takeuchi under certain assumptions. In the paper in question, the authors prove the rigidity of the Lichnerowicz-type eigenvalue estimate for the Kohn Laplacian on strictly pseudoconvex \(3\)-manifolds with nonnegative CR Paneitz operator and positive Webster curvature. More precisely, they show that for such a manifold \((M^3, T^{1,0}, \theta)\) with the Webster curvature \(R\geq\kappa>0\), we have \(\lambda_1(\Box_b)\geq\kappa\) where equality holds if and only if it is isometric to the standard CR \(3\)-sphere of constant Webster curvature \(\kappa\). This together with the previous results establishes a complete CR analogous of the Lichnerowicz-Obata theorem for the Kohn Laplacian in all dimensions.