A note on a nonlinear Krein-Rutman theorem (Q2381489)

This paper establishes a nonlinear version of the celebrated Krein-Rutman theorem [\textit{M. G. Krein} and \textit{M. A. Rutman}, Usp. Mat. Nauk 3, No. 1(23), 3--95 (1948; Zbl 0030.12902)]. The main result can be stated as follows. Let \(X\) be a real Banach space, \(K\subset X\) be a closed convex cone, and \(T:X\rightarrow X\) be an increasing, positively \(1\)-homogeneous compact continuous operator for which there exist \(u\in K\setminus\{0\}\) and \(M>0\) such that \(MTu-u\in K\). Then \(T\) has a nonzero eigenvector in \(K\) whose corresponding eigenvalue is simple and which is the eigenvalue having the smallest absolute value. This framework includes the \(p\)-Laplace operator, the Hardy--Sobolev operator with indefinite weight, or Pucci's fully nonlinear operator. The proof of the main result relies on simple arguments based on the Rabinowitz bifurcation theorem.