Capacity of a union of three intervals and theta functions of genus 2 (Q1606237)

The authors look at a range of methods for determining the capacity of the union of a finite number of intervals in \(\mathbb{R}\). The paper sets out the proofs of results that they announced earlier [C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Sér. I, Math. 328, 763--766 (1999; Zbl 0939.31004)]. In the case of the union \(F\) of two intervals, they discuss three methods for determining the Green's function of \(\mathbb{R}-F\): the conformal mapping of \(\mathbb{R}-F\) onto an annulus; a representation of the Green's function in terms of the real parts of elliptic integrals; and a representation of the Green's function using quotients of theta functions of certain compact Riemann surfaces of genus 1. The result for two intervals was originally obtained by \textit{N. Achieser} [C. R. 191, 754--756 (1930; JFM 56.0304.01)]. They then apply the second method to the study of the union of \(p\) intervals, and the last two methods to the study of the union of 2 intervals.