Maximal degenerate representations of SL.
On the domain S_a = {(x,e^b): x ∈ N, b ∈ ℝ, b > a} where N is a simply connected nilpotent Lie group, a certain N-left-invariant, second order, degenerate elliptic operator L is considered. N × {e^a} is the Poisson boundary for L-harmonic functions F, i.e. F is the Poisson integral F(xe^b) = ʃ_N f(xy)dμ^b_a(x), for an f in L^∞(N). The main theorem of the paper asserts that the maximal function M^a f(x) = sup{|ʃf(xy)dμ_a^b(y)| : b > a} is of weak type (1,1).
The left-invariant sub-Riemannian problem on the group of motions of a plane is considered. Sub-Riemannian geodesics are parameterized by Jacobi's functions. Discrete symmetries of the problem generated by reflections of pendulum are described. The corresponding Maxwell points are characterized, on this basis an upper bound on the cut time is obtained.