The Codazzi equation for surfaces (Q984881)

A pair \((I, II)\) of real quadratic forms on a surface is called a fundamental pair if \(I\) is a Riemannian metric. The (abstract) shape operator \(S\) is introduced by the usual equation \(I(SX,Y)= II(X,Y)\). Then the (abstract) Codazzi equation \(\nabla_X SY-\nabla_Y SX- S[X,Y]= 0\) is studied. As a consequence the authors obtain some global results on surfaces concerning holomorphic quadratic differentials, surfaces in homogeneous product spaces and special Weingarten surfaces. In particular a modified Codazzi pair \((A,B)\) with \[ A= \cosh\varphi I+ \sinh\varphi(H^2- K)^{-1/2}(II- HI), \] \[ B= (H^2- K)^{1/2}\sinh\varphi I+ \cosh\varphi(II- HI) \] is introduced together with its curvatures, and the conformal structure of \(A\) is determined.