On a characterization of perimeters in \(\mathbb R^N\) via heat semigroup (Q2467903)

We generalize to all sets with finite perimeter an equality concerning the short time behavior of the heat semigroup proved for balls in \textit{M. Ledoux} [Bull. Sci. Math. 118, No. 6, 485--510 (1994; Zbl 0841.49024)] and used therein in connection with the isoperimetric inequality. Sets with smooth boundary are also studied. The above result for sets with finite perimeter gives a characterization of the perimeter using a heat semigroup very similar to the one used by \textit{E. De Giorgi} [Ann. Mat. Pura Appl. IV. Ser. 36, 191--213 (1954; Zbl 0055.28504)]. The results are extended to all functions with bounded variation, giving a relation between the jump part of the total variation measure and the short time diffusion of the level sets.