Chapter 22: Problem 22
Suppose \((M, H)\) is a contact manifold and \(X\) is a smooth vector field on \(M\). Prove that \(X\) is the Reeb field of some contact form for \(H\) if and only if it is a contact vector field that takes no values in \(H\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
A vector field is a Reeb field iff it is a contact vector field not lying in the contact distribution.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definitions
A contact manifold \(M, H\) is a manifold equipped with a hyperplane distribution \(H\) that locally can be described as the kernel of a contact form. A Reeb field on \(M\) is a vector field \(X\) satisfying \(\alpha(X) = 1\) and \(L_X \alpha = 0\), where \(\alpha\) is a contact form for \(H\). A contact vector field is one that preserves the contact structure, i.e., \(L_X \alpha = f \alpha\) for some function \(f\). The condition that \(X\) takes no values in \(H\) implies that \(\alpha(X) eq 0\).
02
Show X as a Reeb Field Implies X is a Contact Vector Field with No Values in H
Assume \(X\) is a Reeb field for some contact form \(\alpha\) of \(H\). This means \(\alpha(X) = 1\) and \(L_X \alpha = 0\). Since \(\alpha(X) = 1\), \(X\) takes no values in \(H = \ker(\alpha)\). Therefore, \(X\) is trivially a contact vector field as \(L_X \alpha = 0\) implies \(f = 0\). Thus, \(X\) preserves the contact form.
03
Show X as a Contact Vector Field with No Values in H Implies X is a Reeb Field
Assume \(X\) is a contact vector field that takes no values in \(H\). Then \(\alpha(X) eq 0\) since \(X\) does not lie in \(\ker(\alpha)\). Set \(\beta = \frac{\alpha}{\alpha(X)}\). Then \(\beta(X) = 1\) and \(L_X \beta = \frac{1}{\alpha(X)} L_X \alpha - \frac{\beta}{\alpha(X)} d\alpha(X) = 0\) because \(L_X \alpha = f \alpha\). Thus, \(X\) is the Reeb field for the contact form \(\beta\).
04
Conclude the Proof
We have shown that if \(X\) is a Reeb field, then it must be a contact vector field not taking values in \(H\). Conversely, if \(X\) is a contact vector field not taking values in \(H\), then \(X\) is a Reeb field for some contact form. Therefore, \(X\) is a Reeb field of some contact form for \(H\) if and only if it is a contact vector field that takes no values in \(H\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Reeb vector field
A Reeb vector field is a special type of vector field associated with a contact manifold. On a manifold with a contact structure, the Reeb field
- satisfies two crucial conditions: the contact form evaluated on the Reeb vector equals one, i.e., \( \alpha(X) = 1 \),
- and the Lie derivative of the contact form in the direction of the Reeb vector vanishes, i.e., \( L_X \alpha = 0 \).
contact form
A contact form is a differential 1-form on a manifold, represented as \( \alpha \), integral to defining a contact structure. It's not just any 1-form; a contact form makes a manifold more than just a regular differentiable structure. It characterizes the directionality of the contact manifold by defining a distribution that assigns a hyperplane tangent to the manifold at each point.
The hyperplane distribution is the kernel of the contact form, expressed as \( H = \ker(\alpha) \). This means every vector field that lies in \( H \) results in the contact form yielding zero when evaluated on those vectors. To keep things dynamic and interesting, the contact form isn't non-degenerate across the whole manifold—it's contact.
The hyperplane distribution is the kernel of the contact form, expressed as \( H = \ker(\alpha) \). This means every vector field that lies in \( H \) results in the contact form yielding zero when evaluated on those vectors. To keep things dynamic and interesting, the contact form isn't non-degenerate across the whole manifold—it's contact.
vector field
Vector fields are everywhere in the world of manifolds. They are essentially an assignment of a vector to each point in a manifold. Imagine a gentle wind blowing over a landscape, assigning a wind direction and strength to every spot—that's akin to what a vector field does. In mathematical terms, each vector field is a smooth section from the tangent bundle of a manifold.
- They help describe dynamics and movement across manifolds,
- and can interact with various structures, such as the contact form,
- by preservation or transformation of structures like hyperplanes.
contact structure
Contact structures paint the geometric picture of a contact manifold, adding a layer above the typical smooth structure found on manifolds. They are characterized by a non-integrable hyperplane distribution, often defined as the kernel of a contact form \( \alpha \). This hyperplane distribution is called the contact distribution.
In contrast to integrable distributions, which lead to foliations, a contact structure resists integration—illustrating the nontrivial nature of these hyperplanes. In 3 dimensions, for example, the contact structure embodies this non-integrability, leading to twisting and complex interactions.
In contrast to integrable distributions, which lead to foliations, a contact structure resists integration—illustrating the nontrivial nature of these hyperplanes. In 3 dimensions, for example, the contact structure embodies this non-integrability, leading to twisting and complex interactions.
- They appear in mechanical systems as constraints, where movement is restricted,
- but provide freedom for dynamics in the manifold,
- and fundamentally connect with Reeb vector fields to showcase elegant geometric dynamics.