Geodesically reversible Finsler 2-spheres of constant curvature
Abstract
Description
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.
11 pages, references added, some arguments improved and exposition rearranged
11 pages, references added, some arguments improved and exposition rearranged