Publications [#49082] of Robert L Bryant

Papers Published

1. Geodesically reversible Finsler 2-spheres of constant curvature, in Inspired by S. S. Chern---A Memorial Volume in Honor of a Great Mathematician, Nankai Tracts in Mathematics, edited by P. A. Griffiths, vol. 11 (Winter, 2006), World Scientific [math.DG/0407514]
   (last updated on 2006/09/21)

   Abstract:
   A Finsler space is said to be geodesically reversible if each oriented geodesic can be reparametrized as a geodesic with the reverse orientation. A reversible Finsler space is geodesically reversible, but the converse need not be true. In this note, building on recent work of LeBrun and Mason, it is shown that a geodesically reversible Finsler metric of constant flag curvature on the 2-sphere is necessarily projectively flat. As a corollary, using a previous result of the author, it is shown that a reversible Finsler metric of constant flag curvature on the 2-sphere is necessarily a Riemannian metric of constant Gauss curvature, thus settling a long- standing problem in Finsler geometry.