Differential systems associated with tableaux over Lie algebras

We give an account of the construction of exterior differential systems based on the notion of tableaux over Lie algebras as developed in [Comm. Anal. Geom 14 (2006), 475-496; math.DG/0412169]. The definition of a tableau over a Lie algebra is revisited and extended in the light of the formalism of the Spencer cohomology; the question of involutiveness for the associated systems and their prolongations is addressed; examples are discussed.Comment: 16 pages; to appear in: "Symmetries and Overdetermined Systems of Partial Differential Equations" (M. Eastwood and W. Miller, Jr., eds.), IMA Volumes in Mathematics and Its Applications, Springer-Verlag, New Yor

Lines on projective varieties and applications

The first part of this note contains a review of basic properties of the variety of lines contained in an embedded projective variety and passing through a general point. In particular we provide a detailed proof that for varieties defined by quadratic equations the base locus of the projective second fundamental form at a general point coincides, as a scheme, with the variety of lines. The second part concerns the problem of extending embedded projective manifolds, using the geometry of the variety of lines. Some applications to the case of homogeneous manifolds are included.Comment: 15 pages. One example removed; one remark and some references added; typos correcte

Lagrangian Curves in a 4-dimensional affine symplectic space

Lagrangian curves in R4 entertain intriguing relationships with second order deformation of plane curves under the special affine group and null curves in a 3-dimensional Lorentzian space form. We provide a natural affine symplectic frame for Lagrangian curves. It allows us to classify La- grangrian curves with constant symplectic curvatures, to construct a class of Lagrangian tori in R4 and determine Lagrangian geodesic