Harmonic maps of finite uniton number into \(G _{2}\) (Q431254)

Harmonic maps \(\varphi\) from a Riemann surface \(M\) into a compact Lie group \(G\) can be described in terms of certain maps \(\Phi : M \rightarrow \Omega M\) into the loop group \(\Omega M :=\{ \gamma \in C^\infty (S^1,G) \mid \gamma (1) = e\}\), which are called extended solutions. The map \(\Phi\) extends \(\varphi\) in the sense that \(\Phi|_{\lambda=-1} = \varphi\), where \(\lambda\) denotes the parameter in \(S^1\). The harmonic map \(\varphi\) is said to have finite uniton number if \(\Phi\) has a finite Fourier expansion in \(\lambda\). The authors give a detailed study of such maps in the case of the exceptional Lie group \(G=G_2\).