On leafwise conformal diffeomorphisms

Abstract

For every diffeomorphism $\varphi:M\to N$ between 3--dimensional Riemannian manifolds $M$ and $N$ there are in general locally two 2--dimensional distributions $D_{\pm}$ such that $\varphi$ is conformal on both of them. We state necessary and sufficient conditions for a distribution to be one of $D_{\pm}$. These are algebraic conditions expressed in terms of the self-adjoint and positive definite operator $(\varphi_{\ast})^*\varphi_{\ast}$. We investigate integrability condition of $D_+$ and $D_-$. We also show that it is possible to choose coordinate systems in which leafwise conformal diffeomorphism is holomorphic on leaves.