When is a symplectic quotient an orbifold?

Abstract

Let K be a compact Lie group of positive dimension. We show that for most unitary K-modules the corresponding symplectic quotient is not regularly symplectomorphic to a linear symplectic orbifold (the quotient of a unitary module of a finite group). When K is connected, we show that even a symplectomorphism to a linear symplectic orbifold does not exist. Our results yield conditions that preclude the symplectic quotient of a Hamiltonian K-manifold from being locally isomorphic to an orbifold. As an application, we determine which unitary SU2-modules yield symplectic quotients that are Z+-graded regularly symplectomorphic to a linear symplectic orbifold. We similarly determine which unitary circle representations yield symplectic quotients that admit a regular diffeomorphism to a linear symplectic orbifold.