Comparison Theorems In Riemannian Geometry

Comparison Theorems in Riemannian Geometry

This is an up to date work on a branch of Riemannian geometry called Comparison Geometry.

This book contains a clear exposition of two contemporary topics in modern differential geometry: distance geometric analysis on manifolds, in particular, comparison theory for distance functions in spaces which have well defined bounds on their curvature the application of the Lichnerowicz formula for Dirac operators to the study of Gromov's invariants to measure the K-theoretic size of a Riemannian manifold. It is intended for both graduate students and researchers.

This book is a compendium of survey lectures presented at a conference on Riemannian Geometry sponsored by The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences (Waterloo, Canada) in August 1993. Attended by over 80 participants, the aim of the conference was to promote research activity in Riemannian geometry. A select group of internationally established researchers in the field were invited to discuss and present current developments in a selection of contemporary topics in Riemannian geometry. This volume contains four of the five survey lectures presented at the conference.

Intended for a one year course, this volume serves as a single source, introducing students to the important techniques and theorems, while also containing enough background on advanced topics to appeal to those students wishing to specialise in Riemannian geometry. Instead of variational techniques, the author uses a unique approach, emphasising distance functions and special co-ordinate systems. He also uses standard calculus with some techniques from differential equations to provide a more elementary route. Many chapters contain material typically found in specialised texts, never before published in a single source. This is one of the few works to combine both the geometric parts of Riemannian geometry and the analytic aspects of the theory, while also presenting the most up-to-date research - including sections on convergence and compactness of families of manifolds. Thus, this book will appeal to readers with a knowledge of standard manifold theory, including such topics as tensors and Stokes theorem. Various exercises are scattered throughout the text, helping motivate readers to deepen their understanding of the subject.