Abstract
The classification of CR hypersurfaces \(M^{2n+1} \subset \mathbb {C}^{n+1}\) up to biholomorphic equivalences, notably the homogeneous ones, is a vast problem, especially in dimension 5, i.e. for \(n = 2\), even with the assistance of all existing mostly sophisticated mathematical tools: Lie-theoretic algebras of differential invariants; Exterior differential systems; Cartan connections; Parabolic geometries; Poincaré-Moser normal forms. As understood by e.g. Lie, Tresse, Segre, Cartan, such classification problems are tightly linked with point equivalences of completely integrable systems of partial differential equations in \(n \ge 1\) independent variables and 1 dependent variable, over \(\mathbb {C}\) or \(\mathbb {R}\), so that those PDE systems that are associated to CR structures can rightly be called ‘para-CR structures’. In particular, the 3-dimensional case, i.e. \(n = 1\), is linked with the well understood geometry of second order ODEs \(y_{xx} = F(x, y, y_x)\). The present survey article: (1) focuses considerations on the study of (para-)CR structures in dimensions 3 and 5; (2) sketches relationships with affinely homogeneous submanifolds and their tubifications; (3) provides several concrete classification lists of various Lie symmetry algebras; (4) describes recent achievements due to Loboda and to Doubrov-Medvedev-The about nondegenerate homogeneous (para-)CR structures in 5D; (5) concludes by reviewing the recent classification arXiv:2003.08166, due to the two authors, of degenerate homogeneous para-CR structures in 5D, which is based on Cartan’s method of equivalence and which is coherent with the CR classification due to Fels-Kaup.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abdalla, B., Dillen, F., Vrancken, L.: Affine homogeneous surfaces in \({\mathbb{R} }^3\) with vanishing Pick invariant. Abh. Math. Sem. Univ. Hamburg 67, 105–115 (1997)
Bièche, C.: Le problème d’équivalence locale pour un système scalaire complet d’équations aux dérivées partielles d’ordre deux à \(n\) variables indépendantes. Ann. Fac. Sci. Toulouse Math. 16(1), 1–36 (2007)
Bluman, G.W., Kumei, S.: Symmetries and differential equations. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, xiv+412 pp (1989)
Cap, A., Slovak, I.: Parabolic geometries. I. Background and general theory. Mathematical Surveys and Monographs, 154, American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, x+628 pp (2009)
Cartan, É.: Les systèmes de Pfaff à cinq variables et les équations aux dérivées partielles du seconde ordre. Ann. Sc. Norm. Sup. 27, 109–192 (1910)
Cartan, É.: Sur les variétés à connexion projective. Bull. Soc. Math. France 52, 205–241 (1924)
Cartan, É.: Sur la géométrie pseudo-conforme des hypersurfaces de deux variables complexes I. Annali di Matematica, 11 (1932), 17–90, Œuvres Complètes, Partie II, Vol. 2, 1231–1304.D
Cartan, É.: Sur l’équivalence pseudo-conforme de deux hypersurfaces de l’espace de deux variables complexes. Verh. int. math. Kongresses Zürich, t. II, 1932, 54–56. Œuvres Complètes, Partie II, Vol. 2, 1305–1306
Cartan, É.: Sur le groupe de la géométrie hypersphérique. Comment. Math. Helvetici, 4 (1932), 158–171. Œuvres Complètes, Partie III, Vol. 2, 1203–1216
Cartan, É.: Sur la géométrie pseudo-conforme des hypersurfaces de deux variables complexes II. Annali Sc. Norm. Sup. Pisa, 1 (1932), 333–354. Œuvres Complètes, Partie III, Vol. 2, 1217–1238
Chen, Z., Merker, J.: On differential invariants of parabolic surfaces. arXiv:1908.07867, Dissertationes Mathematicæ 559, 110 pages, (2021)
Chen, Z., Merker, J.: Affine homogeneous surfaces with Hessian rank 2 and algebras of differential invariants. arXiv:2010.02873
Chen, Z., Foo, W.G., Merker, J., Ta, T.A.: Normal forms for rigid \({\mathfrak{C}}_{2,1}\) hypersurfaces \(M^5 \subset {\mathbb{C}}^{3}\). Taiwanese Journal of Mathematics 25(2), 333–364. (2021) arXiv:1912.01655
Chen, Z., Foo, W.G., Merker, J., Ta, T.A.: Lie-Cartan differential invariants and Poincaré-Moser normal forms: confluences. Bull. Inst. Math. Acad. Sini. 18(2), 133–184 (2023). https://doi.org/10.21915/BIMAS.2023202
Chern, S.-S.: On the projective structure of a real hypersurface in \({\mathbb{C}}^{n+1}\). Collection of articles dedicated to Werner Fenchel on his 70th birthday. Math. Scand. 36, 74–82 (1975)
Chern, S.-S., Moser, J.: Real hypersurfaces in complex manifolds. Acta Math. 133, 219–271 (1974)
Doubrov, B., Govorov, A.: A new example of a generic \(2\)-distribution on a \(5\)-manifold with large symmetry algebra. arXiv:1305.7297 (2013)
Doubrov, B., Komrakov, B.: The geometry of second order ordinary differential equations. arXiv:1602.00913, 53 pages, (2016)
Doubrov, B., Komrakov, B., Rabinovich, M.: Homogeneous surfaces in the three-dimensional affine geometry. Geometry and topology of submanifolds, VIII (Brussels, 1995/Nordfjordeid, 1995), 168–178, World Sci. Publ., River Edge, NJ, (1996)
Doubrov, B., Medvedev, A., The, D.: Homogeneous integrable Legendrian contact structures in dimension five. J. Geom. Anal. 30(4), 3806–3858 (2020)
Doubrov, B., Medvedev, A., The, D.: Homogeneous Levi non-degenerate hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C} }^3\). Math. Z. 297(1–2), 669–709 (2021)
Doubrov, B., Merker, J., The, D.: Classification of simply-transitive Levi non-degenerate hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C} }^3\). Int. Math. Res. Not. IMRN 19, 15421–15473 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1093/imrn/rnab147
Eastwood, M., Ezhov, V.: On affine normal forms and a classification of homogeneous surfaces in affine three-space. Geom. Dedicata 77(1), 11–69 (1999)
Engel, F.: Sur un groupe simple à quatorze paramètres. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 116, 786–788 (1893)
Engel, F. and Lie, S. (Authors), Merker, J. (Editor): Theory of Transformation Groups I. General Properties of Continuous Transformation Groups. A Contemporary Approach and Translation. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, (2015), xv+643 pp. arXiv:1003.3202
Engel, F., Lie, S.: Theorie der transformationsgruppen. Dritter und letzter Abschnitt. Unter Mitwirkung von Dr. Friedrich Engel, bearbeitet von Sophus Lie, Verlag und Druck von B.G. Teubner, Leipzig und Berlin, xxix+836 pp. (1890). Reprinted by Chelsea Publishing Co., New York, N.Y. (1970)
Fels, G., Kaup, W.: CR manifolds of dimension \(5\): a Lie algebra approach. J. Reine Angew. Math. 604, 47–71 (2007)
Fels, G., Kaup, W.: Classification of Levi degenerate homogeneous CR-manifolds in dimension \(5\). Acta Math. 201, 1–82 (2008)
Fels, M., Olver, P.J.: Moving coframes. II. Regularization and theoretical foundations. Acta Appl. Math. 55(2), 127–208 (1999)
Foo, W.G., Heyd, J., Merker, J.: Normal forms of second order ordinary differential equations \(y_{xx} = J(x,y,y_x)\) under fibre-preserving maps. Complex Anal. Synerg. 9(3), Paper No. 10, 18 (2023)
Foo, W.G., Merker, J.: Differential \(\{e\}\)-structures for equivalences of \(2\)-nondegenerate Levi rank \(1\) hypersurfaces \(M^5 \subset {\mathbb{C} }^3\). Constr. Math. Anal. 4(3), 318–377 (2021)
Foo, W.G., Merker, J., Nurowski, P., Ta, T.A.: Homogeneous \({\mathfrak{C}}_{2,1}\) models. arXiv:1904.02562, 13 pages
Foo, W.G., Merker, J., Ta, T.A.: Parametric CR-umbilical locus of ellipsoids in \({\mathbb{C} }^2\). C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris 356(2), 214–221 (2018)
Foo, W.G., Merker, J., Ta, T.-A.: Rigid equivalences of \(5\)-dimensional \(2\)-nondegenerate rigid real hypersurfaces \(M^{5}\subset \mathbb{C} ^{3}\) of constant Levi rank \(1\). Michigan Math. J. 73(2), 345–370 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1307/mmj/20205950
Foo, W.G., Merker, J., Ta, T.-A.: On convergent Poincaré-Moser reduction for Levi degenerate embedded \(5\)-dimensional CR manifolds. New York J. Math. 28, 250–336 (2022)
Freeman, M.: Real submanifolds with degenerate Levi form. Several complex variables, Proc. Sympos. Pure Math., Vol. XXX, Williams Coll., Williamstown, Mass., 1975, Part 1, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, R.I., pp. 141-147, (1977)
Gaussier, H., Merker, J.: A new example of uniformly Levi degenerate hypersurface in \({\mathbb{C}}^{3}\). Ark. Mat. 41(1), 85–94. (2003) Erratum: 45 (2007), no. 2, 269–271
Godlinski, M., Nurowski, P.: Geometry of third order ODEs. arXiv:0902.4129, 2009, 45 pages
Hachtroudi, M.: Les espaces d’éléments à connexion projective normale. Actualités Scientifiques et Industrielles, Vol. 565, Paris, Hermann (1937)
Hachtroudi, M.: Les Espaces normaux. 1. Les espaces d’éléments à connexion affine normale. 2. Les espaces d’éléments linéaires à connexion Weylienne normale. Tchehr, République islamique d’Iran, Téhéran, (1945)
Hachtroudi, M.: Sur les espaces de Riemann, de Weyl et de Schouten. Publications de l’Université de Téhéran, Téhéran, République islamique d’Iran, (1956), iv+127 pp
Hill, C.D., Nurowski, P.: Differential equations and para-CR structures. Boll. Unione Mat. Ital., (9) III, no. 1, 25–91, (2010)
Isaev, A.: Analogues of Rossi’s map and E. Cartan’s classification of homogeneous strongly pseudoconvex 3-dimensional hypersurfaces. J. Lie Theory 16(3), 407–426, (2006)
Isaev, A., Kruglikov, B.: A short proof of the dimension conjecture for real hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C} }^2\). Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 144(10), 4395–4399 (2016)
Isaev, A., Zaitsev, D.: Reduction of five-dimensional uniformly degenerate Levi CR structures to absolute parallelisms. J. Anal. 23(3), 1571–1605 (2013)
Jacobowitz, H.: An introduction to CR structures. Math. Surveys and Monographs, 32, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, x+237 pp (1990)
Kolar, M., Kossovskiy, I.: A complete normal form for everywhere Levi degenerate hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C}}^{3}\). arXiv:1905.05629, 29 pages
Kruglikov, B.: Point classification of second order ODEs: Tresse classification revisited and beyond. with an appendix by Kruglikov and V. Lychagin, Abel Symp., 5, Differential equations: geometry, symmetries and integrability, 199–221, Springer, Berlin (2009)
Kruglikov, B., Lychagin, V.: Geometry of Differential Equations. Handbook of Global Analysis, 725–771, 1214, Elsevier Sci. B. V., Amsterdam (2008)
Kruglikov, B., Lychagin, V.: Global Lie-Tresse theorem. Selecta Math. (N.S.) 22(3), 1357–1411 (2016)
Kruglikov, B., The, D.: The gap phenomenon in parabolic geometries. J. Reine Angew. Math. 723, 153–215 (2017)
Levi, E.E.: Studii sui punti singolari essenziali delle funzioni analitiche di due o più variabili complesse. Ann. Math. 17, 61–87 (1910)
Lie, S.: Klassifikation und Integration vo gewöhnlichen Differentialgleichungen zwischen \(x\), \(y\), die eine Gruppe von Transformationen gestaten I-IV. In: Gesammelte Abhandlungen, Vol. 5, B.G. Teubner, Leipzig, pp. 240–310, 362–427, 432–448 (1924)
Loboda, A.V.: Some invariants of tubular hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C} }^2\). Math. Notes 59(2), 148–157 (1996)
Loboda, A.V.: Homogeneous real hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C}}^{3}\) with two-dimensional isotropy groups. Tr. Mat. Inst. Steklova, 235, 114–142 (Russian), (2001) English translation in Proc. Steklov Inst. Math. 235, 107–135 (2001)
Loboda, A.V.: Homogeneous strictly pseudoconvex hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C}}^{3}\) with two-dimensional isotropy groups. Mat. Sb. 192(12), 3–24 (Russian), (2001). Translation in Sb. Math. 192 (2001), no. 11–12, 1741–1761
Loboda, A.V.: Homogeneous nondegenerate surfaces in \({\mathbb{C}}^{3}\) with two-dimensional isotropy groups. Funktsional. Anal. i Prilozhen., 36, 80–83 (Russian), (2002) English translation in Funct. Anal. Appl., 36 (2002), 151–153
Loboda, A.V.: On the determination of a homogeneous strictly pseudoconvex hypersurface from the coefficients of its normal equation. Mat. Zametki, 73, 453–456 (Russian), (2003) English translation in Math. Notes, 73 (2003), 419–423
Loboda, A.V.: Holomorphically Homogeneous Real Hypersurfaces in \({\mathbb{C}}^{3}\) (Russian). To appear in the Proceedings of the Moscow Mathematical Society, arXiv:2006.07835, 2020, 56 pages
Medori, C., Spiro, A.: The equivalence problem for 5-dimensional Levi degenerate CR manifolds. Int. Math. Res. Not. IMRN 20, 5602–5647 (2014)
Medori, C., Spiro, A.: Structure equations of Levi degenerate CR hypersurfaces of uniform type. Rend. Semin. Mat. Univ. Politec. Torino 73(1–2), 127–150 (2015)
Merker, J.: Characterization of the Newtonian free particle system in \(m\geqslant 2\) dependent variables. Acta Appl. Math. 92(2), 125–207 (2006)
Merker, J.: Lie symmetries of partial differential equations and CR geometry. J. Math. Sci. (N.Y.), 154, 817–922 (2008)
Merker, J.: A lie-theoretic construction of Cartan-Moser chains. J. Lie Theory 31, 1–34 (2021)
Merker, J.: Equivalences of PDE systems associated to degenerate para-CR structures: foundational aspects, Partial Differ. Equ. Appl. 3(1), Paper No. 4, 57 pp (2022) https://doi.org/10.1007/s42985-021-00138-z
Merker, J.: Inexistence of non-product Hessian rank \(1\) affinely homogeneous hypersurfaces \(H^n\) in \({\mathbb{R} }^{n+1}\) in dimension \(n \geqslant 5\). Ufa Math. J. 15(1), 56–121 (2023)
Merker, J.: Classification of Hessian rank \(1\) affinely homogeneous hypersurfaces \(H^n\) in \({\mathbb{R}}^{n+1}\) in dimensions \(n = 2, 3, 4\). arXiv:2206.01449, 29 pages
Merker, J., Nurowski, P.: New explicit Lorentzian Einstein-Weyl structures in 3-dimensions. Symmetry, Integrability and Geometry: Methods and Applications SIGMA 16, 056, 16 pages, (2020) arXiv:1906.10880 (2019)
Merker, J., Nurowski, P.: On degenerate para-CR structures: Cartan reduction and homogeneous models. 37 pages, Transformation Groups, (2002), https://doi.org/10.1007/s00031-022-09746-4, arXiv:2003.08166
Merker, J., Nurowski, P.: Five-dimensional para-CR manifolds and contact projective geometry in dimension three. Ann. Sci. Norm. Super. Pisa Cl. Sci. (5) 24(1), 519–549 (2023)
Merker, J., Pocchiola, S.: Explicit absolute parallelism for \(2\)-nondegenerate real hypersurfaces \(M^5 \subset {\mathbb{C} }^3\) of constant Levi rank \(1\). Journal of Geometric Analysis 30, 2689–2730 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12220-018-9988-3. Addendum: 3233-3242, 10.1007/s12220-019-00195-2
Merker, J., Pocchiola, S.; Sabzevari, M.: Equivalences of \(5\)-dimensional CR manifolds, II: General classes I, II, III\(_{1}\), III\(_{2}\), IV\(_{1}\), IV\(_{2}\), 5 figures, 95 pages, arXiv:1311.5669
Merker, J., Sabzevari, M.: Explicit expression of Cartan’s connections for Levi-nondegenerate 3-manifolds in complex surfaces, and identification of the Heisenberg sphere. Cent. Eur. J. Math. 10(5), 1801–1835 (2012)
Merker, J., Sabzevari, M.: The Cartan equivalence problem for Levi-non-degenerate real hypersurfaces \(M^3 \subset {\mathbb{C}}^{2}\) (Russian). Izv. Ross. Akad. Nauk Ser. Mat. 78(6), 103–140, (2014) translation in Izvestiya Math. 78(6), 1158–1194 (2014) arXiv:1401.2963
Nurowski, P.: Differential equations and conformal structures. J. Geom. Phys. 55, 19–49 (2005)
Nurowski, P., Sparling, G.: Three-dimensional Cauchy-Riemann structures and second order ordinary differential equations. Class. Quant. Gravity 20(23), 4995–5016 (2003)
Nurowski, P., Tafel, J.: Symmetries of Cauchy-Riemann spaces. Lett. Math. Phys. 15, 31–38 (1988)
Olver, P.J.: Equivalence, Invariants, and Symmetry. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, xvi+525 pp (1995)
Olver, P.J.: Normal forms for submanifolds under group actions. Symmetries, differential equations and applications, 1–25. Springer Proc. Math. Stat. 266, Springer, Cham (2018)
Pocchiola, S.: Explicit absolute parallelism for \(2\)-nondegenerate real hypersurfaces \(M^5 \subset {\mathbb{C}}^{3}\) of constant Levi rank \(1\). arXiv:1312.6400, 55 pages
Poincaré, H.: Les fonctions analytiques de deux variables complexes et la représentation conforme. Rend. Circ. Mat. Palermo 23, 185–220 (1907)
Porter, C.: The local equivalence problem for \(7\)-dimensional, \(2\)-nondegenerate CR manifolds whose cubic form is of conformal unitary type. Thesis (Ph.D.)-Texas A &M University, 89 pp, (2016)
Porter, C.: The local equivalence problem for \(7\)-dimensional, \(2\)-nondegenerate CR manifolds. Commun. Anal. Geom. 27(7), 1583–1638 (2019)
Porter, C.: \(3\)-folds CR-embedded in \(5\)-dimensional real hyperquadrics. arXiv:1808.08625 (2018), 32 pages
Porter, C., Zelenko, I.: Absolute parallelism for \(2\)-nondegenerate CR structures via bigraded Tanaka prolongation. arXiv:1704.03999 (2017), 44 pages
Segre, B.: Intorno al problema di Poincaré della rappresentazione pseudoconforme. Rend. Acc. Lincei, VI, Ser. 13, 676–683 (1931)
Segre, B.: Questioni geometriche legate colla teoria delle funzioni di due variabili complesse. Rend. Semin. Mat. Roma 7, parte II, (1931)
Stephani, H., Kramer, D., MacCallum, M., Hoenselaers, C., Herlt, E.: Exact solutions of Einstein’s field equations. Second edition. Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. xxx+701 pp (2003)
Strazzullo, F.: Symmetry Analysis of General Rank 3 Pfaffian Systems in Five Variables. Ph.D. Thesis, Utah State University, Logan, Utah (2009)
Tresse, A.: Sur les invariants différentiels des groupes continus de transformations. Acta Math. 18, 1–88 (1894)
Tresse, A.: Détermination des invariants ponctuels de l’équation différentielle ordinaire du second ordre \(y = \omega (x, y, y^{\prime })\). Preisschr. Fürstlich Jablon. Ges. Hirzel, Leipzig (1896)
Webster, S.M.: On the mapping problem for algebraic real hypersurfaces. Invent. Math. 43(1), 53–68 (1977)
Winkelmann, J.: The Classification of Three-Dimensional Homogeneous Complex Manifolds. Lecture Notes in Mathematics, vol. 1602. Springer, Berlin (1995)
Wünschmann, K.: Uber Berührungsbedingungen bei Integralkurven von Differentialgleichungen. Inaug. Dissert. (Leipzig: Teubner) (1905)
Acknowledgements
Authors are grateful to an anonymous referee for a careful reading, and for pointing out an inaccuracy in a classification list.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
Authors declare they have no financial interests that are directly or indirectly related to the work submitted for publication.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This work is supported by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) via the Grant Number 2018/29/B/ST1/02583.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Merker, J., Nurowski, P. Homogeneous CR and Para-CR Structures in Dimensions 5 and 3. J Geom Anal 34, 27 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12220-023-01461-0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12220-023-01461-0
Keywords
- Symmetries of partial differential equations and of Cauchy–Riemann manifolds
- Cartan’s method of equivalence
- Power series method of equivalence