$SU(2)^2$-invariant $G_2$-instantons

Abstract

We initiate the systematic study of $G_2$-instantons with $SU(2)^2$-symmetry. As well as developing foundational theory, we give existence, non-existence and classification results for these instantons. We particularly focus on $\mathbb{R}^4\times S^3$ with its two explicitly known distinct holonomy $G_2$ metrics, which have different volume growths at infinity, exhibiting the different behaviour of instantons in these settings. We also give an explicit example of sequences of $G_2$-instantons where "bubbling" and "removable singularity" phenomena occur in the limit.