Abstract: | A strictly pseudoconvex pseudo-Hermitian manifoldM admits a canonical Lorentz metric as well as a canonical Riemannian metric. Using these metrics, we can define a curvaturelike function onM. AsM supports a contact form, there exists a characteristic vector field dual to the contact structure. If induces a local one-parameter group ofCR transformations, then a strictly pseudoconvex pseudo-Hermitian manifoldM is said to be a standard pseudo-Hermitian manifold. We study topological and geometric properties of standard pseudo-Hermitian manifolds of positive curvature or of nonpositive curvature . By the definition, standard pseudo-Hermitian manifolds are calledK-contact manifolds by Sasaki. In particular, standard pseudo-Hermitian manifolds of constant curvature turn out to be Sasakian space forms. It is well known that a conformally flat manifold contains a class of Riemannian manifolds of constant curvature. A sphericalCR manifold is aCR manifold whose Chern-Moser curvature form vanishes (equivalently, Weyl pseudo-conformal curvature tensor vanishes). In contrast, it is emphasized that a sphericalCR manifold contains a class of standard pseudo-Hermitian manifolds of constant curvature (i.e., Sasakian space forms). We shall classify those compact Sasakian space forms. When 0, standard pseudo-Hermitian closed aspherical manifolds are shown to be Seifert fiber spaces. We consider a deformation of standard pseudo-Hermitian structure preserving a sphericalCR structure.Dedicated to Professor Sasao Seiya for his sixtieth birthday |