On singular projective structures on Riemann surfaces (Q919137)

We deal with second order linear differential operators L and \(L'\) on a fixed compact Riemann surface X, having a given finite set S of regular singular points in X and providing a given monodromy representation \(\rho\) of the fundamental group of \(X\setminus S\). We translate these data in terms of projective connections. We deduce a relation between the exponents of L and \(L'\), which proves uniqueness of L (i.e. \(L=L')\) in certain cases. These cases include a theorem of Appell-Goursat and part of a theorem of Poincaré. In the special case of operators admitting locally meromorphic solutions, our result specializes to a theorem of Hejhal.