The Lie Algebra of Local Killing Fields

Abstract

We present an algebraic procedure that finds the Lie algebra of the local Killing fields of a smooth metric. In particular, we determine the number of independent local Killing fields about a given point on the manifold. Spaces of constant curvature and locally symmetric spaces are also discussed. Furthermore, we obtain a complete classification of the Lie algebra of local Killing fields for surfaces in terms of conditions upon the Gauss curvature.