Eigenvalue estimate on a compact Riemann manifold (Q1974183)

Let \(M\) be a compact Riemannian manifold with non-negative Ricci curvature. A well-known estimate by \textit{P. Li} and \textit{S.-T. Yau} [Proc. Symp. Pure Math. 36, 205-239 (1980; Zbl 0441.58014)] asserts that \(\lambda_1\geq\frac{\pi^2}{4d^2}\) where \(\lambda_1\) is the first eigenvalue of the Laplace operator of \(M\), and \(d\) is the diameter of \(M\). Several authors have been concerned with improving this estimate, and generalizing it under the assumption that the Ricci curvature of the manifold is bounded below by \(-R\), where \(R\) is a positive constant. \textit{H. Yang} proved in [Sci. China, Ser. A 33, 39-51 (1990; Zbl 0691.53030)] that \(\lambda_1\geq\frac{\pi^2}{d^2}-R\) and conjectured that the coefficient of \(R\) could be improved to \(-1/2\). The present paper is a step in that direction, and the following estimate is proved. Theorem. In the above notation, one has \(\lambda_1\geq\frac{\pi^2}{d^2}-0.52 R\). Moreover, if \(R\leq \frac{5\pi^2}{3d^2}\), then \(\lambda_1\geq\frac{\pi^2}{d^2}- \frac{R}2\).