The enhanced common index jump theorem for symplectic paths and non-hyperbolic closed geodesics on Finsler manifolds (Q514264)

The common index jump theorem for symplectic matrix paths is due to \textit{Y. Long} and \textit{C. Zhu} [Ann. Math. (2) 155, No. 2, 317--368 (2002; Zbl 1028.53003)]. It is a powerful tool for the study of periodic orbits of Hamiltonian systems. With its help one can estimate the number of closed characteristics on compact convex energy hypersurfaces on \(\mathbb R^{2n-2}\) as well as the number of closed geodesics on a compact and simply-connected \(n\)-dimensional Finsler manifold and obtain stability results about these periodic orbits. For the applications of the common index jump theorem it is important to know that the indices of the prime periodic orbits respectively the prime closed geodesics are bounded from below by \(n-1\). In this paper the authors present the \textit{enhanced common index jump theorem}. In applications of this result one only has to know that the index of the prime closed geodesics is positive. It is a remarkable result that for a bumpy and non-reversible Finsler metric of dimension \(n=dm\) on a compact and simply-connected manifold \(M\) whose rational cohomology ring \(H^\ast(M;\mathbb Q)\) is generated by a single element of dimension \(d \geq 2\) with a metric of non-negative flag curvature there are at least \(dm(m+1)/2\) geometrically distinct closed geodesics. This number is optimal as examples due to Katok show.