The global solutions to a Cartan's realization problem (Q7014525)

This monograph uses the theory of \(G\)-structure Lie groupoids to characterize all solutions of a Cartan realization problem: Given prescribed algebraic expressions for torsion, curvature, and their derivatives, does there exist a \(G\)-structure whose Cartan data achieves exactly those invariants? If so, how unique is it, and how can we classify all such structures?\N\NPrecisely, a Cartan datum consists of a closed Lie group \(G\subseteq \mathrm{GL}(n,\mathbb{R})\) with Lie algebra \(\mathfrak{g}\), a \(G\)-manifold \(X\) with an infinitesimal action \(\psi\colon X\times \mathfrak{g}\to TX\), and three \(G\)-equivariant maps \(c\colon X\to \Hom(\wedge^2\mathbb{R}^n, \mathbb{R}^n)\), \(R\colon X\to \Hom(\wedge^2\mathbb{R}^n, \mathfrak{g})\) and \(F\colon X\times \mathbb{R}^n\to TX\). A solution for this Cartan datum is an \(n\)-dimensional manifold or orbifold \(M\) with a \(G\)-structure \(F_G(M)\to M\) with tautological \(1\)-form \(\theta\in \Omega^1(F_G(M), \mathbb{R}^n)\) and connection \(1\)-form \(\omega\in \Omega^1(F_G(M), \mathfrak{g})\), as well as an equivariant map \(h\colon F_G(M)\to X\) with\N\[\Ndh=F\circ (h, \theta)+\psi\circ (h, \omega).\N\]\NThe authors build on Bryant's idea of using Lie algebroids in connection with Cartan's realization problem and include in the Lie algebroid a \(G\)-symmetry, leading to the notion of a \(G\)-structure algebroid, with global counterpart a \(G\)-structure groupoid, both equipped with suitable connections. The Cartan datum \((G,X,c,R,F)\) canonically defines an almost Lie algebroid \(A=X\times (\mathbb{R}^n\oplus\mathfrak{g})\to X\) over \(X\), which satisfies the Jacobi identity if for all \(x\in X\) there exists a solution \((F_G(M), (\theta, \omega), h)\) of the Cartan problem, such that \(x\) lies in the image of \(h\). A solution of the Cartan realization problem then defines a Lie algebroid morphism \(T(F_G(M))\to A\) over \(h\colon F_G(M)\to X\). Conversely a \(G\)-structure algebroid defines a Cartan datum.\N\NTherefore, only Cartan data \((G,X,c,R,F)\) corresponding to \(G\)-structure algebroids are considered. In other words, the authors study \(G\)-structure algebroids as Cartan realization problems. The authors then show that every \(G\)-structure algebroid admits local \(G\)-realizations, and hence local solutions of the corresponding Cartan realization problem. Next, if a \(G\)-structure algebroid is integrable to a \(G\)-structure groupoid, then each of the source fibers of the latter yields a global solution of the corresponding Cartan realization problem. However, the Cartan realization problem can have solutions other than the source fibers of an integrating \(G\)-structure groupoid, and local solutions may still exist even when the \(G\)-structure algebroid is not \(G\)-integrable. The integration of \(G\)-structure algebroids to \(G\)-structure groupoids has in addition more obstructions than their integration to Lie groupoids -- a \(G\)-structure algebroid may be integrable to a Lie groupoid, but not to a \(G\)-structure groupoid. The authors identify these obstructions in terms of the extended monodromy groups of \(G\)-structure algebroids, which are parametrized by the fundamental group of \(G\).\N\NThe monograph begins with a comprehensive introduction to the problem, explaining as well the state of the art. The authors then illustrate the problem with the example of extremal Kähler metrics on surfaces. The third and fourth chapters introduce the necessary background on \(G\)-structure groupoids and algebroids and connections thereon, respectively. Chapter 5 constructs solutions of a Cartan realization problem. It first brings Cartan data admitting solutions in bijection with \(G\)-structure algebroids with connections, refining a former result of \textit{R. L. Bryant} [J. Am. Math. Soc. 14, No. 3, 623--715 (2001; Zbl 1006.53019)], and it then understands solutions of Cartan's realization problem as \(G\)-realizations of the corresponding \(G\)-structure algebroid \(A\). Then, it finds the source fibers of a \(G\)-structure groupoid integrating a \(G\)-structure algebroid to be solutions of Cartan's realization problem. Chapter 6 studies the integrability of \(G\)-structure algebroids to \(G\)-structure groupoids and obstructions to this integrability, giving as well tools for computing explicit obstructions in concrete examples. Chapter 7 discusses the existence of local and complete solutions of Cartan's realization problem and relates this latter existence problem to the \(G\)-integrability of \(G\)-structure algebroids over their leaves. Chapter 8 describes the moduli stack of germs of solutions of Cartan's realization problem, and Chapter 9 studies important classes of \(G\)-structure algebroids, where \(G\) is a subgroup of classical structure groups like \(\mathrm{O}(n,\mathbb{R})\) (metric type) or \(\mathrm{Sp}(n,\mathbb{R})\) (symplectic type), and explains how the extra geometric structure interacts with the Lie algebroid structure. Finally, the last chapter goes back to the study of extremal Kähler metrics on surfaces, applying the obtained results to the motivating example of Chapter 2.