Metric connections in projective differential geometry

Abstract

We search for Riemannian metrics whose Levi-Civita connection belongs to a given projective class. Following Sinjukov and Mikeš, we show that such metrics correspond precisely to suitably positive solutions of a certain projectively invariant finite-type linear system of partial differential equations. Prolonging this system, we may reformulate these equations as defining covariant constant sections of a certain vector bundle with connection. This vector bundle and its connection are derived from the Cartan connection of the underlying projective structure.