Subriemannian metrics and the metrizability of parabolic geometries (Q2659478)

The authors present the linearized metrizability problem in the context of parabolic geometries and sub-Riemannian geometry, generalizing the metrizability problem in projective geometry studied by \textit{R. Liouville} [J. de l'Éc. Polyt. cah. LIX. 7--76 (1889; JFM 21.0317.02)]. The paper under review is concerned with bracket-generating distributions arising in parabolic geometries, which are Cartan-Tanaka geometries modelled on homogeneous spaces \(G/P\), where \(G\) is a semisimple Lie group and \(P\) a parabolic subgroup of \(G\). On a manifold \(M\) equipped with such a parabolic geometry, each tangent space is modelled on the \(P\)-module \(g/p\). First, motivating examples are provided: 1. Parabolic geometries and Weyl structures. 2. Projective parabolic geometries. 3. Parabolic geometries on filtered manifolds. 4. \(BGG\) operators, local metrizability of the homogeneous model, and normal solutions. Next, a general method for linearizability and a classification of all cases with irreducible defining distribution where this method applies are given. These tools lead to natural sub-Riemannian metrics on generic distributions of interest in geometric control theory. By using an algebraic linearization condition, the authors establish a linearization principle. The metrizability procedure is illustrated by showing how the well-known example of projective geometry fits into the general method. In addition, the metric tractor bundle is investigated. Let \(p_0=p/{p^\perp}\) and \(h\) a \(p_0\)-module. The main result is a classification of metric parabolic geometries with irreducible \(h\). Finally, examples of reducible cases where the linearized metrizability procedure works are given.