The algebraic construction of invariant differential operators

Thesis



Let G be a complex semisimple Lie Group with parabolic subgroup P, so that G/P is a generalized flag manifold. An algebraic construction of invariant differential operators between sections of homogeneous bundles over such spaces is given and it is shown how this leads to the classification of all such operators. As an example of a process which naturally generates such operators, the algebraic Penrose transform between generalized flag manifolds is given and computed for several cases, extending standard results in Twistor Theory to higher dimensions. It is then shown how to adapt the homogeneous construction to manifolds with a certain class of tangent bundle structure, including conformal manifolds. This leads to a natural definition of invariant differential operators on such manifolds, and an algebraic method for their construction. A curved analogue of the Penrose transform is given.

Authors: Baston, R; Robert James Baston

• Publication date: 1985
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Subjects: Lie groups; Conformal invariants; Differential operators