A Representation Formula for Curves in $\Bbb C^3$ With Preset Infinitesimal Arc Length


Hubert Gollek




We consider an algebraic representation formula for meromorphic curves in $\mathbb C^3$ with preset infinitesimal arc length, i.e., a differential operator $\mathbf M$ assigning to triples $(f,h,d)$ of meromorphic functions meromorphic curves $\Phi=(\varphi_1,\varphi_2,\varphi_3)^\top$ such that $d$ is the infinitesimal arclength of $\Phi$, in this way obtaining the complete solution of the differential equation $\varphi{'}_1^2+\varphi{'}_2^2+\varphi{'}_3^2=d^2$ in terms of derivatives of $f,h,d$ only and without integrations. Computer algebra systems are an excellent tool to handle formulas of this type. We give simple Mathematica code and apply it to work out some examples, graphics as well as algebraic expressions of complex curves with special properties. For the case $d=0$ of null curves, we give some graphical examples of minimal surfaces constructed in this way, showing deformations and symmetries. We give an expression for the curvature $\kappa$ of $\Phi$ in terms of the Schwarzian derivative of $f$ and for the case $d=1$ a simple differential relation for $f$ and $h$ equivalent to the condition $\kappa=1$.