Optimal potentials for quantum graphs (Q2414921)

Let $\Gamma = (V,E)$ is a metric graph, where the set of edges $E=\bigcup\limits_{n=1}^N \{e_n\}$ consists of distinct real intervals $e_n= [x_{2n-1}, x_{2n}]$, while the set of vertices is a partition of the endpoints of the intervals. On the edges of any metric graph consider the Schrödinger operator $-\frac{d^2}{dx^2}+q(x), q\in L^1(\Gamma) $ with delta coupling: \[ \sum\limits_{x_i\in v} \partial u(x_i)=h(v)u(v), \forall v\in V. \] The paper under review is devoted to the investigation of optimal configuration (potential $q$ and distribution of coupling parameters $h$ which maximize the ground state), provided the integral of the potential $\int\limits_\Gamma q(x)dx=Q$ is fixed, the sum of strengths of the delta couplings $\sum\limits_{v\ in V} h(v)=H$ are fixed, and the potential is sign-definite. \par The main results are the following. \par$\bullet$ The optimisation problem is independent of the topology of the graph, hence it is enough to study flower graphs (graphs with one vertex only). \par$\bullet$ If $QH\geq 0$, then the optimal configuration exists and is unique. It is described by explicit formulas. \par$\bullet$ If $QH < 0$, then the optimal configuration does not exist, but the value of the optimal ground state energy can either be given explicitly or as an eigenvalue of the Laplacian on a flower graph with delta interactions. Optimising sequences are presented.