Symmetric superspaces: slices, radial parts, and invariant functions

Abstract

We study the restriction of invariant polynomials on the tangent space of a Riemannian symmetric supermanifold to a Cartan subspace. We survey known results in the case the symmetric space is a Lie supergroup, and more generally, where the Cartan subspace is even. We then describe an approach to this problem, developed in joint work in progress with K. Coulembier, based on the study of radial parts of differential operators. This leads to a characterisation of the invariant functions for an arbitrary linear isometric action, and as a special case, to a Chevalley restriction theorem valid for the isotropy representation of any contragredient Riemannian symmetric superspace.