Three-term commutator estimates and the regularity of \(^{1}/_{2}\)-harmonic maps into spheres (Q638839)

Recently, the second author introduced a general formalism to prove the regularity of solutions to conformally invariant variational problems [Invent. Math. 168, No. 1, 1--22 (2007; Zbl 1128.58010)]. In the paper under review, the authors apply this point of view to 1/2-harmonic maps into spheres. More precisely, they define the energy \[ L(u)=\int_{\mathbb R} |\Delta^{1/4}u|^2\,dx \] and prove the following result: Any weak 1/2-harmonic map \(u\in H^{1/2}({\mathbb R},{\mathbb S}^{m-1})\) is in \(C^\infty\).