On the topology and index of minimal surfaces (Q503068)

The main result of the paper under review is the following: Theorem: Suppose that \(\Sigma\subset \mathbb R^3\) is an immersed complete two-sided minimal surface of genus \(g\) and with \(r\) ends. Then, \(\mathrm{index}(\Sigma) \geq \frac{2}{3}(g+r)-1.\) Using the above result, the authors show the nonexistence of an embedded minimal surface in \(\mathbb R^3\) of index 2, as conjectured by \textit{J. Choe} [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 109, No. 3, 195--212 (1990; Zbl 0695.53045)]. Moreover, the authors show that the index of an immersed two-sided minimal surface with embedded ends is bounded from above and below by a linear function of the total curvature of the surface.