Busemann functions and barrier functions

Abstract

We show that Busemann functions on a smooth, non-compact, complete, boundaryless, connected Riemannian manifold are viscosity solutions with respect to the Hamilton-Jacobi equation determined by the Riemannian metric and consequently they are locally semi-concave with linear modulus. We also analysis the structure of singularity sets of Busemann functions. Moreover we study barrier functions, which are analogues to Mather's barrier functions in Mather theory, and provide some fundamental properties. Based on barrier functions, we could define some relations on the set of lines and thus classify them. We also discuss some initial relations with the ideal boundary of the Riemannian manifold.