Gaussian estimates for hypoelliptic operators via optimal control (Q931052)

The authors consider operators \(L\) of sum-of-squares type, with addition of first order term. Their assumptions are somewhat stronger than the standard Hörmander condition. Namely, the authors assume invariance with respect to a homogeneous Lie group structure and a controllability condition, as in \textit{A. E. Kogoj} and \textit{E. Lanconelli} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 135, No. 7, 2019--2030 (2007; Zbl 1170.35034)], this implies in particular that the coefficients of the vector fields are polynomial functions. Under these hypotheses, precise Gaussian lower bounds are obtained for the fundamental solution of \(L\), in terms of the value function of a suitable optimal control problem.