The geometry of minimal surfaces of finite genus. II: Nonexistence of one limit end examples (Q706135): Difference between revisions

It is proven that a properly embedded minimal surface \(M\) in \(\mathbb{R}^3\) of finite genus cannot have one limit end. This result implies the following descriptive theorem: If \(M\) is a connected properly embedded minimal surface in \(\mathbb{R}^3\) with finite genus, then one of the following holds: 1. \(M\) is a plane; 2. \(M\) has one end and is asymptotic to the end of a helicoid; 3. \(M\) has a finite number of ends greater than one, has finite total curvature and each end is asymptotic to a plane or to the end of a catenoid; 4. \(M\) has two limit ends. Furthermore, \(M\) has bounded Gaussian curvature and is conformally diffeomorphic to a compact Riemann surface punctured in a countable closed subset which has exactly two limit points if the subset is infinite. In particular, \(M\) is recurrent for Brownian motion. For Part I, cf. J. Differ. Geom. 66, No. 1, 1--45 (2004; Zbl 1068.53012).