Generalized Ricci surfaces

Abstract

We consider smooth Riemannian surfaces whose curvature $K$ satisfies the relation $\Delta \log |K-c|=aK+b$ away from points where $K=c$ for some $(a,b,c)\in {\mathbb{R}}^3$, which we call generalized Ricci surfaces. We prove some isometric immersion theorems allowing points where $K=c$ using properties of log-harmonic functions. For instance, we obtain a characterization of Riemannian surfaces that locally admit minimal isometric immersions, possibly with umbilical points, into a $3$-dimensional Riemannian manifold of constant sectional curvature. We also give an application to convex affine spheres. Finally, we study compact generalized Ricci surfaces: we obtain topological obstructions and construct examples.

31 pages