This book provides an introduction to and survey of recent developments in pseudo-Riemannian geometry, including applications in mathematical physics, by leading experts in the field. Topics covered are: Classification of pseudo-Riemannian symmetric spaces Holonomy groups of Lorentzian and pseudo-Riemannian manifolds Hypersymplectic manifolds Anti-self-dual conformal structures in neutral signature and integrable systems Neutral Kahler surfaces and geometric optics Geometry and dynamics of the Einstein universe Essential conformal structures and conformal transformations in pseudo-Riemannian geometry The causal hierarchy of spacetimes Geodesics in pseudo-Riemannian manifolds Lorentzian symmetric spaces in supergravity Generalized geometries in supergravity Einstein metrics with Killing leaves The book is addressed to advanced students as well as to researchers in differential geometry, global analysis, general relativity and string theory. It shows essential differences between the geometry on manifolds with positive definite metrics and on those with indefinite metrics, and highlights the interesting new geometric phenomena, which naturally arise in the indefinite metric case. The reader finds a description of the present state of the art in the field as well as open problems, which can stimulate further research.

The purpose of this handbook is to give an overview of some recent developments in differential geometry related to supersymmetric field theories. The main themes covered are: Special geometry and supersymmetry Generalized geometry Geometries with torsion Para-geometries Holonomy theory Symmetric spaces and spaces of constant curvature Conformal geometry Wave equations on Lorentzian manifolds D-branes and K-theory The intended audience consists of advanced students and researchers working in differential geometry, string theory, and related areas. The emphasis is on geometrical structures occurring on target spaces of supersymmetric field theories. Some of these structures can be fully described in the classical framework of pseudo-Riemannian geometry. Others lead to new concepts relating various fields of research, such as special Kahler geometry or generalized geometry.

Since the foundational work of Lagrange on the differential equation to be satisfied by a minimal surface of the Euclidean space, the theory of minimal submanifolds have undergone considerable developments, involving techniques from related areas, such as the analysis of partial differential equations and complex analysis. On the other hand, the relativity theory has led to the study of pseudo-Riemannian manifolds, which turns out to be the most general framework for the study of minimal submanifolds. However, most of the recent books on the subject still present the theory only in the Riemannian case. For the first time, this textbook provides a self-contained and accessible introduction to the subject in the general setting of pseudo-Riemannian geometry, only assuming from the reader some basic knowledge about manifold theory. Several classical results, such as the Weierstrass representation formula for minimal surfaces, and the minimizing properties of complex submanifolds, are presented in full generality without sacrificing the clarity of exposition. Finally, a number of very recent results on the subject, including the classification of equivariant minimal hypersurfaces in pseudo-Riemannian space forms and the characterization of minimal Lagrangian surfaces in some pseudo-Khler manifolds are given.

Traditionally, Lorentzian geometry has been used as a necessary tool to understand general relativity, as well as to explore new genuine geometric behaviors, far from classical Riemannian techniques. Recent progress has attracted a renewed interest in this theory for many researchers: long-standing global open problems have been solved, outstanding Lorentzian spaces and groups have been classified, new applications to mathematical relativity and high energy physics have been found, and further connections with other geometries have been developed. Samples of these fresh trends are presented in this volume, based on contributions from the VI International Meeting on Lorentzian Geometry, held at the University of Granada, Spain, in September, 2011. Topics such as geodesics, maximal, trapped and constant mean curvature submanifolds, classifications of manifolds with relevant symmetries, relations between Lorentzian and Finslerian geometries, and applications to mathematical physics are included. ​ This book will be suitable for a broad audience of differential geometers, mathematical physicists and relativists, and researchers in the field.

The first part of this book provides a self-contained and accessible introduction to the subject in the general setting of pseudo-Riemannian manifolds and their non-degenerate submanifolds, only assuming from the reader some basic knowledge about manifold

Since the foundational work of Lagrange on the differential equation to be satisfied by a minimal surface of the Euclidean space, the theory of minimal submanifolds have undergone considerable developments, involving techniques from related areas, such as the analysis of partial differential equations and complex analysis. On the other hand, the relativity theory has led to the study of pseudo-Riemannian manifolds, which turns out to be the most general framework for the study of minimal submanifolds. However, most of the recent books on the subject still present the theory only in the Riemannian case.For the first time, this book provides a self-contained and accessible introduction to the subject in the general setting of pseudo-Riemannian geometry, only assuming from the reader some basic knowledge about manifold theory. Several classical results, such as the Weierstrass representation formula for minimal surfaces, and the minimizing properties of complex submanifolds, are presented in full generality without sacrificing the clarity of exposition. Finally, a number of very recent results on the subject, including the classification of equivariant minimal hypersurfaces in pseudo-Riemannian space forms and the characterization of minimal Lagrangian surfaces in some pseudo-Kähler manifolds are given.

Offers insight into the methods and concepts of a very active field of mathematics that has many connections with physics. It includes contributions from specialists in differential geometry and mathematical physics, collectively demonstrating the wide range of applications of Lorentzian geometry, and ranging in character from research papers to surveys to the development of new ideas.