A remark on left invariant metrics on compact Lie groups

Abstract: We show that a left invariant metric on a compact Lie group

G

which is obtained by stretching a biinvariant metric in the direction of a subalgebra

h

of

g

always has some negative sectional curvature, unless the semi-simple part of

h

is an ideal of

g

.

Review text

In this note, the author proves the following Theorem: Let \(H\subset G\) be compact Lie groups with Lie algebras \({\mathfrak h}\subset {\mathfrak g}\), let \(Q\) be a biinvariant inner product on \({\mathfrak g}\), and for \(t>0\) let \(g_t\) be the left invariant metric on \(G\) induced by the inner product \[ Q_t:=tQ| _{\mathfrak h}+Q| _{{\mathfrak h}^\perp}. \] If there is a \(t>1\) such that \(g_t\) has non-negative sectional curvature, then the semi-simple part of \(\mathfrak h\) is an ideal of \(\mathfrak g\). This answers a question raised by [\textit{W. Ziller}, Examples of Riemannian manifolds with non-negative sectional curvature. Metric and comparison geometry. Somerville, MA: International Press. Surv. Differ. Geom. 11, 63--102 (2007; Zbl 1153.53033)]

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