Compatible metrics on a manifold and non-local bi-Hamiltonian structures

Abstract

Given a flat metric one may generate a local Hamiltonian structure via the fundamental result of Dubrovin and Novikov. More generally, a flat pencil of metrics will generate a local bi-Hamiltonian structure, and with additional quasi-homogeneity conditions one obtains the structure of a Frobenius manifold. With appropriate curvature conditions one may define a curved pencil of compatible metrics and these give rise to an associated non-local bi-Hamiltonian structure. Specific examples include the F-manifolds of Hertling and Manin equipped with an invariant metric. In this paper the geometry supporting such compatible metrics is studied and interpreted in terms of a multiplication on the cotangent bundle. With additional quasi-homogeneity assumptions one arrives at a so-called weak $\F$-manifold - a curved version of a Frobenius manifold (which is not, in general, an F-manifold). A submanifold theory is also developed.