Geodesic transformations in quaternionic geometry (Q2744633)

Let \( (M, g)\) be a Riemannian manifold and \(B\) a topologically embedded submanifold of \((M, g)\). A geodesic transformation with respect to \(B\) is a local diffeomorphism which maps tubular hypersurfaces about \(B\) into tubular hypersurfaces about \(B\) leaving \(B\) invariant, by moving the points along \(B\)-normal geodesics. The conformality is not suitable in quaternionic geometry; this matter justifies the introduction of the concept of PCG (partially conformal geodesic) transformations [\textit{E. Garcia-Rio} and \textit{L. Vanhecke}, Math. J. Toyama Univ. 20, 57-77 (1997; Zbl 1076.53510)]. The author considers non-isometrical PCG transformations. This is possible only when \(B\) is a point or a hypersurface; then necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of PCG transformations are determined. New characterizations of quaternionic space forms are obtained as well as an interesting classification of the PCG transformations in this context.