Hermitian metrics, (n-1, n-1) forms and Monge-Ampère equations

Abstract: We show existence of unique smooth solutions to the Monge-Ampere equation for (n-1)-plurisubharmonic functions on Hermitian manifolds, generalizing previous work of the authors. As a consequence we obtain Calabi-Yau theorems for Gauduchon and strongly Gauduchon metrics on a class of non-Kahler manifolds: those satisfying the Jost-Yau condition known as Astheno-Kahler. Gauduchon conjectured in 1984 that a Calabi-Yau theorem for Gauduchon metrics holds on all compact complex manifolds. We discuss another Monge-Ampere equation, recently introduced by Popovici, and show that the full Gauduchon conjecture can be reduced to a second order estimate of Hou-Ma-Wu type.