On properly embedded minimal surfaces with three ends. (Q1847829)

Let \(M\) be a properly embedded complete minimal surface in \(\mathbb{R}^3\) with 3 ends, genus \(g=k-1~(k>2)~\) and at least \(2k\) symmetries. The authors prove that the symmetry group of \(M\) is either \(\triangle_k\), or \(\triangle'_k\) and \(M\) is one of the Costa-Hoffman-Meeks surfaces. Here the isometric group \(\triangle_k\) is the dihedral group of order \(4k\) generated by a rotation about the \(x_3\)-axis by angle \(\pi/k\) followed by a reflection in the \((x_1,x_2)\)-plane, \(\triangle'_k\) is isometric to the dihedral group with \(2k\) elements generated by a rotation about the \(x_3\)-axis by angle \(2\pi/k\). This result gives an affirmative answer to \textit{D. Hoffman}'s and \textit{H. Karcher's} question on the uniqueness of the properly embedded 3-end minimal surface with at least \(2k\) symmetry [Geometry V, Encycl. Math. Sci. 90, 5--93, (1997; Zbl 0890.53001)].