Cohomology = invariant forms

In summary, the result being discussed is that for a compact Lie group G with a closed subgroup H, the space of G-invariant differential forms on the quotient space X = G/H is isomorphic to the de Rham cohomology space of X. The suggested proof strategy involves showing that G-invariant forms are closed and coclosed, and using Hodge theory to prove that each cohomology class has a unique harmonic representative. While this may not be an elementary proof, it could possibly be simplified by considering the problem as a fibre bundle and using the Kunneth formula.
  • #1
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Prove the following result:

let [tex]G[/tex] be a compact Lie group, [tex]H[/tex] its closed subgroup and [tex]X = G/H[/tex]. Let [tex]T(X)[/tex] denote the space of [tex]G[/tex]-invariant differential forms on [tex]X[/tex] (e.g. [tex]\omega \in T(X) \Leftrightarrow \forall g \in G g^{*}\omega = \omega[/tex]). Then [tex]T(X)[/tex] is isomorphic to [tex]H^{*}(X)[/tex], de Rham cohomology space of [tex]X[/tex],

Do you know where I can find the proof of this result?

I have been suggested the following proof strategy:
a) if [tex]\omega[/tex] is [tex]G[/tex]-invariant, then d[tex]\omega = 0[/tex]
b) likewise, d[tex]*\omega = 0[/tex] (Hodge star)
c) by Hodge theory, [tex]\omega[/tex] is harmonic, and each cohomology class has exactly one harmonic representant

Unfortuately, this is not an elementary proof. But perhaps at least a) and b) can be proved easily? A concept for proving a): locally, we can find [tex]G[/tex]-invariant coordinates (i.e. a local basis of [tex]G[/tex]-invariant vector fields which span the tangent space) - how to prove this? In these coordinates [tex]\omega[/tex] has constant coefficients (why?), so d[tex]\omega = 0[/tex]. How about d[tex]*\omega[/tex]?

I'd be glad if someone could help with filling in the details.
 
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  • #2
Have you considered looking at it as a fibre bundle and applying the Kunneth formula to it? I must admit that I don't have too much experience with this, but that seems to be the only way to get a quick proof.
 

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