Volume comparison with respect to scalar curvature (Q6046066)

Classical volume comparison theorems control the volume of a Riemannian manifold by the Ricci curvature. In general, the volume cannot be controlled by the scalar curvature only. In the present paper, the concept of a V-static metric, which can be viewed as a generalization of an Einstein metric or of a vacuum static metric, is used. Using this concept, a volume comparison theorem with respect to the scalar curvature for small geodesic balls is obtained. Another volume comparison theorem is obtained for Einstein metrics. As an application, alternative proofs of certain results and partial confirmations of conjectures are obtained.