The positive mass theorem in Kaluza-Klein picture

TL;DR

This paper revisits the positive mass theorem using Kaluza-Klein theory, offering a modified proof that enhances physical intuition and introduces an alternative condition to Jang's equation.

Contribution

It presents a new proof of the positive mass theorem within the Kaluza-Klein framework, providing a more physically intuitive approach and an alternative to Jang's equation.

Findings

Successful reformulation of the positive mass theorem in Kaluza-Klein setting

Introduction of an alternative condition to Jang's equation

Enhanced physical understanding of the theorem's proof

Abstract

We reconsider Schoen and Yau's proof of the positive mass theorem from the extra dimensional point of view, and we introduce a modified argument to prove the theorem in the Kaluza-Klein picture. We consider in this study an alternative condition to Jang's equation, which makes the argument more physically intuitive.