Length minimizing paths in the Hamiltonian diffeomorphism group

Abstract

On any closed symplectic manifold, we construct a path-connected neighborhood of the identity in the Hamiltonian diffeomorphism group with the property that each Hamiltonian diffeomorphism in this neighborhood admits a Hofer and spectral length minimizing path to the identity. This neighborhood is open in the $C^1$-topology. The construction utilizes a continuation argument and chain level result in the Floer theory of Lagrangian intersections.