On embedded complete minimal surfaces of genus zero (Q2640148)

The authors prove that the Riemann sphere \(S^ 2\) punctured at N points, \(N\geq 3\), cannot be embedded in \({\mathbb{R}}^ 3\) as a complete minimal surface with finite total curvature. This important result together with the works of \textit{R. Osserman} [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 80, 340-364 (1964; Zbl 0134.385)] and of \textit{L. Jorge} and \textit{W. Meeks} [Topology 22, 203-221 (1983; Zbl 0517.53008)] show that the plane and the catenoid are the only embedded complete minimal surfaces of finite total curvature and genus zero in \({\mathbb{R}}^ 3\).