On regularity theory for n/p-harmonic maps into manifolds

TL;DR

This paper investigates the regularity of weak n/p-harmonic maps into manifolds, proving Hölder continuity in the critical case for certain p-values using nonlocal Schrödinger systems analysis.

Contribution

It extends regularity results for critical points of nonlocal energy functionals, especially for p ≤ 2 and under Lorentz-space assumptions for p > 2.

Findings

Hölder continuity for p ≤ 2

Regularity under Lorentz-space assumptions for p > 2

Analysis based on nonlocal Schrödinger systems with antisymmetric potential

Abstract

In this paper we continue the investigation of the regularity of the so-called weak $\frac{n}{p}$-harmonic maps in the critical case. These are critical points of the following nonlocal energy \[ {\mathcal{L}}_s(u)=\int_{\mathbb{R}^n}| ( {-\Delta})^{\frac{s}{2}} u(x)|^p dx\,, \] where $u\in \dot{H}^{s,p}(\mathbb{R}^n,\mathcal{N})$ and ${\mathcal{N}}\subset\mathbb{R}^N$ is a closed $k$ dimensional smooth manifold and $s=\frac{n}{p}$. We prove H\"older continuity for such critical points for $p \leq 2$. For $p > 2$ we obtain the same under an additional Lorentz-space assumption. The regularity theory is in the two cases based on regularity results for nonlocal Schr\"odinger systems with an antisymmetric potential.