Dirichlet's problem and complex lightning bolts (Q2378572)

Consider the Dirichlet problem posed inside (a connected component of) an algebraic curve with real-entire data. We can extend the solution to at least a neighborhood by ``reflection'' using the Schwarz function of the curve. In this paper, the author treats the question of how far from the curve we can analytically continue the solution. More specifically, the author is interested in where singularities develop when a solution is continued analytically. The approach relies on the annihilator method from functional analysis. The annihilating measures are supported on finite sets called lightning bolts. The author pursues here the technique used in [\textit{S. R. Bell, P. Ebenfelt, D. Khavinson} and \textit{H. S. Shapiro}, J. Analyse Math. 100, 157--190 (2006)] to show the failure of analyticity of the solutions. To develop a method to locate (at least in principle) the singularities, this approach is combined with the concept of the Vekua hull. A simple proof of the proximity of the singularities to the initial curve in Ebenfelt's example is given, and examples not covered by Render's approach are discussed.