A Generalization of the Geroch Conjecture with Arbitrary Ends (2212.10014v2)

Abstract: Using $\mu$-bubbles, we prove that for $3 \le n \le 7$, the connected sum of a Schoen-Yau-Schick $n$-manifold with an arbitrary manifold does not admit a complete metric of positive scalar curvature. When either $3 \le n \le 5$, $1 \le m \le n-1$ or $6 \le n \le 7$, $m \in {1, n-2, n-1}$, we also show the connected sum $(M^{n-m}\times \mathbb{T}^m) # X^n$ where $X$ is an arbitrary manifold does not admit a metric of positive $m$-intermediate curvature. Here $m$-intermediate curvature is a new notion of curvature introduced by Brendle, Hirsch and Johne interpolating between Ricci and scalar curvature.