Boundary-value problems on \(S^ n\) for surfaces of constant Gauss curvature (Q1315260)

The authors prove existence of smooth, locally strictly convex radial graphs over domains on \(S^n\) with prescribed Gauss curvature and boundary data. Previously known results dealt with graphs over the entire \(S^n\) and the Gauss curvature given as a function on \(S^n \times (0,\infty)\), subject to certain growth and decay conditions in radial direction. Such conditions allow to establish a priori estimates of the solution and its derivatives. In contrast with the known cases, the authors allow the prescribed Gauss curvature to be defined only on \(S^n\), but postulate existence of subsolutions. The results have many interesting geometric applications, especially for surfaces with constant Gauss curvature. The proofs are based on a careful study of related nonlinear equations of Monge-Ampère type.