The first Robin eigenvalue with negative boundary parameter (Q2346044)

Let \(\Omega\) be a domain in \(\mathbb{R}^d\) of finite volume \(|\Omega|\) and let \(\Delta:=-\partial_{x^1}^2-\dots-\partial_{xd}^2\) be the Laplacian on \(\Omega\). Let \(\nu\) be the outward unit normal. For \(\alpha\in\mathbb{R}\), consider the Robin boundary problem \(\Delta u=\lambda u\) and \(\partial_\nu u+\alpha u|_{\partial\Omega}=0\). Let \(\lambda_1^\alpha\) be the first eigenvalue. For \(\alpha\) positive, the ball of volume \(|\Omega|\) minimizes \(\lambda_1^\alpha\). Bareket's conjecture [\textit{M. Bareket}, SIAM J. Math. Anal. 8, 280--287 (1977; Zbl 0359.35060)] deals with the case \(\alpha\leq 0\). \smallbreak\noindent Conjecture [Bareket]. Let \(\alpha\leq0\) and let \(\Omega\) be a bounded smooth domain. One has \(\lambda_1^\alpha(\Omega)\leq\lambda_1^\alpha(B)\), where \(B\) is a ball with \(|B|=|\Omega|\). \medbreak\noindent The authors show this is false in general and provide a positive result if \(d=2\). \smallbreak\noindent Theorem. The conjecture fails whenever \(\Omega\) is a spherical shell of the same volume as the ball \(B\) and for sufficiently large negative alpha. Moreover, for bounded planar domains of class \(C^2\) and fixed area \(A\), there exists a negative number \(\alpha_*(A)\) so the conjecture holds if \(\alpha\in[\alpha_*(A),0]\). \medbreak\noindent\textrm The first section provides an introduction to the problem. The second section establishes the asymptotic necessary. The final section contains the proof of the results cited.