Rigidity Theorems for Asymptotically Euclidean $Q$-singular Spaces

Abstract

In this paper we prove some rigidity theorems associated to Q-curvature analysis on asymptotically Euclidean (AE) manifolds, which are inspired by the analysis of conservation principles within fourth order gravitational theories. A central object in this analysis is a notion of fourth order energy, previously analysed by the authors, which is subject to a positive energy theorem. We show that this energy can be more geometrically rewritten in terms of a fourth order analogue to the Ricci tensor, which we denote by J g . This allows us to prove that Yamabe positive J-flat AE manifolds must be isometric to Euclidean space. As a by product, we prove that this J-tensor provides a geometric control for the optimal decay rates at infinity. This last result reinforces the analogy of J as a fourth order analogue to the Ricci tensor.