Optimal inequalities between distances in convex projective domains

Abstract

On any proper convex domain in real projective space there exists a natural Riemannian metric, the Blaschke metric. On the other hand, distances between points can be measured in the Hilbert metric. Using techniques of optimal control, we provide inequalities lower bounding the Riemannian length of the line segment joining two points of the domain by the Hilbert distance between these points, thus strengthening a result of Tholozan. Our estimates are valid for a whole class of Riemannian metrics on convex projective domains, namely those induced by convex non-degenerate centro-affine hypersurface immersions. If the immersions are asymptotic to the boundary of the convex cone over the domain, then we can also upper bound the Riemmanian length. On these classes, and in particular for the Blaschke metric, our inequalities are optimal.