Smooth local isometric embeddings in dimension four

Abstract

We prove that every smooth four-dimensional Riemannian metric admits, near each point, a local isometric embedding into ${\mathbb{R}}^{10}$, and that this universal dimension is optimal. A Gram criterion constructs a regular analytic embedding of the Euclidean metric from a rational positive semidefinite tensor obtained by signed evaluations. A specified finite-field minor certifies characteristic regularity. The real-principal-type construction of Nakamura and Maeda gives openness of the metric map on a fixed ball. Rescaling then applies it to arbitrary smooth metrics.

arXiv comment8 pages, with ancillary Python scripts for verifying the algebraic certificates