We classify semisimple symmetric spaces $G/H$ for which there exist proper $SL(2,\mathbf{R})$-actions via $G$. This leads us to the classification of semisimple symmetric spaces that admit surface groups as discontinuous groups.
@article{1299161393,
author = {Okuda, Takayuki},
title = {Proper actions of $SL(2,\mathbf{R})$ on semisimple symmetric spaces},
journal = {Proc. Japan Acad. Ser. A Math. Sci.},
volume = {87},
number = {1},
year = {2011},
pages = { 35-39},
language = {en},
url = {http://dml.mathdoc.fr/item/1299161393}
}
Okuda, Takayuki. Proper actions of $SL(2,\mathbf{R})$ on semisimple symmetric spaces. Proc. Japan Acad. Ser. A Math. Sci., Tome 87 (2011) no. 1, pp. 35-39. http://gdmltest.u-ga.fr/item/1299161393/