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{\bf Math 654, Spring, 2002}
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{\bf Isometric Embedding and the Monge-Amp\`{e}re Equation}
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{Qing Han}
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Given a smooth $n$-dimensional Riemannian manifold $(M^n, g)$, can we find a map 
$\phi: M^n\to R^N$ such that $\phi^\star h=g$, where $h$ is the standard metric in 
$R^N$? Such a map provides a realization of the given Riemannian manifold in 
the Euclidean space $R^N$. This is a long-standing problem in Differential Geometry. 
We call the map $\phi$ an isometric embedding or isometric immersion if $\phi$ is 
an embedding or immersion. In the local version of the problem, one seeks the 
embedding in a neighborhood of any point. 
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The existence of global isometric embedding was first proved
 by Nash using a complicated 
iteration scheme in 1956. It was significantly simplified by Gunther in 1989 by 
using the contraction mapping principle. It is still an open problem what is the 
optimal dimension of the ambient Euclidean space. 
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The research on the local isometric embedding is focused on whether an 
$n$-dimensional Riemannian manifold $(M^n, g)$ can be locally isometrically 
embedded in the Euclidean space $R^{N_n}$ with $N_n=n(n+1)/2$. 
A simple inspection of the differential equation for the isometric embedding 
illustrates that $N_n$ is the {\bf right} dimension for the ambient space. 
The Cartan-Janet theorem, proved in 1930s, asserts that any analytic metric 
always admits a local analytic isometric embedding in $R^{N_n}$. Smooth case 
remains open, even for $n=2$. 
For $n=2$, the problem is reduced to the form whether an abstract surface 
can be locally isometrically embedded in $R^3$. In this case, the existence of the 
local isometric embedding is equivalent to solving a Monge-Amp\`{e}re equation, 
whose type is determined solely by Gaussian curvature. In the general 
dimension, the influence of the curvature tensors is hard to recognize. So 
far, only partial results are known, based on a tedious discussion of 
{\it algebraic curves}. Understanding the type of the equation 
is only the initial step in solving the equation. Partial results on the 
existence of solutions, and hence the existence of the local isometric embedding, 
were obtained 
for $n=2$ and $n=3$. It should be emphasized that no counter example is known 
so far. 

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There is not a single book focused in this subject. Available results were presented 
in the original papers in different styles. Methods employed vary from differential 
equation, differential geometry to algebraic geometry. The aim of the course is 
to present these results in one framework. Basic knowledge on differential equation 
and differential geometry is required.  

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