A free boundary problem associated with the isoperimetric inequality (Q2299605)

The analytic content \(\lambda(K)\) of a compact set \(K\) in the complex plane of area \(A\) and perimeter \(P\) satisfies \(\frac{2A}{P}\leq\lambda(K)\leq\sqrt\frac{A}{\pi}\) implying the isoperimetric inequality \(4\pi A\leq P^2,\) see [\textit{T. W. Gamelin} and \textit{D. Khavinson}, Am. Math. Mon. 96, No. 1, 18--30 (1989; Zbl 0668.30034)]. In the case when \(K\) is the closure of a finitely connected domain \(\Omega\) with real analytic boundary the right-hand side of the inequality is known to be an equality if and only if \(\Omega\) is a disc. Here the over 30 years old question for equality on the left-hand inequality is answered to hold either for discs or annuli. The problem is reformulated as a differential equation on the boundary \(\partial\Omega\), as a quadratic identity, and as an over-determined Neumann boundary value problem for a certain Poisson equation. The proof is based on quadratic differentials, the Schwarz function for analytic curves, and Riccati ordinary differential equations for reducing the problem to domains of connectivity at most \(2\), and on conformal mappings, the Schwarzian derivative, and a Riccati equation for showing \(\Omega\) to be an annulus for the connectivity-\(2\)-case. Additionally as well some related problems from physics, namely on Newton fluid flows (Serrin problem), on electrically-charged liquids in two dimensions, on an equilibrium distribution of vorticity, and on a boundary conformal field theory problem, as some open problems for generalzations are discussed.