We give a complete classification of irreducible symmetric spaces for which there exist proper SL(2,R)-actions as isometries, using the criterion for proper actions by T. Kobayashi [Math. Ann. ’89] and combinatorial techniques of nilpotent orbits. In particular, we classify irreducible symmetric spaces that admit surface groups as discontinuous groups, combining this with Benoist’s theorem [Ann. Math. ’96].

If an (n + 2)-dimensional Lorentzian manifold is indecomposable, but non-irreducible, then its holonomy algebra is contained in the parabolic algebra (R⊕so(n)).Rn. We show that its projection onto so(n) is the holonomy algebra of a Riemannian manifold. This leads to a classification of Lorentzian holonomy groups and implies that the holonomy group of an indecomposable Lorentzian spin manifold with parallel spinor equals to G . Rn where G is a product of SU(p), Sp(q), G2 or Spin(7).

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We undertake a systematic study of the infinitesimal geometry of the Thurston metric, showing that the topology, convex geometry and metric geometry of the tangent and cotangent spheres based at any marked hyperbolic surface representing a point in Teichmüller space can recover the marking and geometry of this marked surface. We then translate the results concerning the infinitesimal structures to global geometric statements for the Thurston metric, most notably deriving rigidity statements for the Thurston metric analogous to the celebrated Royden theorem.

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