A flow approach to Nirenberg's problem (Q2572629)

A famous problem due to Louis Nirenberg is the question of which functions \(f: S^2\to\mathbb R\) arise as the Gaussian curvature of a conformal metric \(g\) on \(S^2.\) Necessary conditions follow from the Gauss-Bonnet formula \[ \int_{S^2} K\,d\mu_g=4\pi \] and the Kazdan-Warner identity \[ \int_{S^2} \langle \nabla K,\nabla x_i\rangle_{g_{S^2}} \,d\mu_g=0,\quad 1\leq i\leq 3 \] with \(g_{S^2}\) being the standard spherical metric on \(S^2=\{x=(x_1,x_2,x_3)\in \mathbb R^3\colon | x| =1\}\) and where \(K\) is the Gauss curvature of \(g.\) Here the restrictions of the coordinate functions \(x_i\) are identified with the eigenfunctions \(\varphi_i(x)=x_i\) of the Laplacian on \((S^2,g_{S^2}),\) satisfying \(\Delta_{g_{S^2}}\varphi_i+2\varphi_i=0,\) \(i=1,2,3.\) In particular, no function \(f\leq0\) and no function \(f=\psi\circ x_i,\) where \(\psi\) is a monotone function on \([-1,1],\) can be realized as the Gauss curvature of a conformal metric \(g\) on \(S^2.\) On the other hand, numerous sufficient conditions are known, beginning with the result of \textit{S.-Y. A. Chang} and \textit{P. C. Yang} [Acta Math. 159, 215--259 (1987; Zbl 0636.53053)]. Theorem. Let \(f\) be a positive, smooth function with only nondegenerate critical points. Suppose that there are at least two local maxima of \(f,\) and suppose that at all saddle points \(Q\) of \(f,\) we have \(\Delta_{g_{S^2}} f(Q)>0.\) Then \(f\) is the Gauss curvature of a conformal metric \(g=e^{2u}g_{S^2}\) on \(S^2.\) More precise results in the spirit of Morse and degree theory extend the theorem to the case of many local minima. In the rotationally symmetric case, a condition on \(f\) is known which is both necessary and sufficient for the existence of a conformal metric having \(f\) as its Gaussian curvature. However, in spite of much efforts, no such condition has been found so far for the general case. In the very interesting paper under review, the author partially resolves this problem by showing that to a certain extend Chang-Yang's theorem is the best possible. Namely, examples are given of functions \(f\) having exactly two local maxima and one saddle point \(Q\) with \(\Delta_{g_{S^2}} f(Q)<0,\) which cannot be realized as curvature functions of conformal metrics on \(S^2.\) The author's approach relies heavily on precise analysis of the prescribed curvature flow. Long-time existence of the flow, together with its asymptotic behavior yield a rather straightforward proof of Chang-Yang's theorem and ensure the constructions showing its sharpness.