A scalar-mean curvature comparison theorem for manifolds with iterated conical singularities

Abstract: We use the Dirac operator method to prove a scalar-mean curvature comparison theorem for spin manifolds which carry iterated conical singularities. Our approach is to study the index theory of a twisted Dirac operator on such singular manifolds. A dichotomy argument is used to prove the comparison theorem without knowing precisely the index of the twisted Dirac operator. This framework also enables us to prove a rigidity theorem of Euclidean domains and a spin positive mass theorem for asymptotically flat manifolds with iterated conical singularities.