The index of symmetry of three-dimensional Lie groups with a left-invariant metric

Abstract

We determine the index of symmetry of 3-dimensional unimodular Lie groups with a left-invariant metric. In particular, we prove that every 3-dimensional unimodular Lie group admits a left-invariant metric with positive index of symmetry. We also study the geometry of the quotients by the so-called foliation of symmetry, and we explain in what cases the group fibers over a 2-dimensional space of constant curvature.