Fractional maximal functions in metric measure spaces

Abstract

We study the mapping properties of fractional maximal operators in Sobolev and Campanato spaces in metric measure spaces. We show that, under certain restrictions on the underlying metric measure space, fractional maximal operators improve the Sobolev regularity of functions and map functions in Campanato spaces to H\"older continuous functions. We also give an example of a space where fractional maximal function of a Lipschitz function fails to be continuous.