Topics in differential geometry. A new approach using \(D\)-differentiation (Q5952642)

In their previous book [Geometry, spinors and applications (Springer-Praxis, Berlin) (2000; Zbl 0933.53001)] the authors gave a parallel treatment of Lie and covariant differentiation. This suggested that, perhaps, there exists a more general operation. In a paper in [J. Math. Phys. 42, No. 4, 1869--1886 (2001; Zbl 1016.53015)] they introduced it and called it \(D\)-differentiation. In the present monograph this approach is developed to a profound extended treatment. Here, differential geometry is reformulated from the point of view of \(D\)-differentiation, which in fact contains an infinite family of operators. Because it includes covariant differentiation, it gives rise to a generalization of the usual concepts of affine connection, curvature, torsion, geodesic, etc. Chapter 1 gives a good introduction to \(C^\infty\) manifolds \(M\). In Chapter 2 \(D\)-differentiation is introduced, which provides a concept of transport in \(M\). A simple algebraic classification to the types of \(D\)-differentiation is given, the torsion and curvature operators are introduced, and relationship with Lie and covariant differentiation is analysed. Concerning the so-called Cartan formalism based on exterior differentiation the authors remark that unfortunately, in general, the non-tensorial nature of the curvature prevents the Cartan formalism from being applicable in any type of \(D\)-differentiation other than covariant differentiation; the reader is referred, for instance, to the previous book by the authors. In Chapter 3 the metric tensor (a \((0,2)\)-tensor \(g\), symmetric and regular), the corresponding scalar product \(g(\overline v,\overline w)\), and non-metricity operator \(H(\overline u, \overline v,\overline w):=(D_{\overline u}g)(\overline v,\overline w)\) are introduced. The latter, together with curvature and torsion, enables to provide a completely geometrical classification of all types of \(D\)-differentiation (including e.g., Lie differentiation, as of vanishing curvature, but non-vanishing torsion and non-metricity, also Riemannian (or Levi-Civita) connection, etc.). Alternative approaches to \(D\)-differentiation, which relate it to the theory of fibre bundles, may be found in Chapter 4, e.g., \(D\)-differentiation in \(TM\) and generalised \(D\)-differentiation in \(TTM\). The euthygrammic sprays and flows are introduced, which generalise the geodesic sprays and flows of Riemannian geometry. Finally, in Chapter 5 some selected applications of \(D\)-differentiation are provided. Here, the purpose is to show how this new approach sheds light on some well-known theories in physics: classical mechanics, Schrödinger's theory, and general relativity. In particular, by means of the generalised version of Newton's second law the semi-classical motion of electrons in a crystal is described, also some insight is provided into general-relativistic optics.