One-dimensional projective structures, convex curves and the ovals of Benguria and Loss (Q2018311)

Denote by \(C\) a closed curve in the plane, of length \(2 \pi\) and positive curvature \(k\), and define the Schrödinger operator \(H(C):= - \frac{d^2}{ds^2} +k^2\) acting on \(L^2(C)\) with periodic boundary conditions. The authors provide new evidence in support of the conjecture made by \textit{R. D. Benguria} and \textit{M. Loss} [Contemp. Math. 362, 53--61 (2004; Zbl 1087.81042)] which states that the lowest eigenvalue of \(H(C)\) equals \(1\) with equality if and only if \(C\) belongs to a one-parameter family \({\mathcal{O}}\) of ovals which include the unit circle, but also all ellipses of length \(2\pi\) collapsing to a double covered segment. Degeneracy of the minimizers hints at the difficulty of the problem. The authors show that the curves belonging to \({\mathcal{O}}\) are absolute, unique minima of two related geometric functionals. Connections of the problem, via these functionals, to projective geometry show a certain symmetry which may also explain the difficulty in solving the conjecture.