Localization of min-max minimal hypersurfaces

Abstract

We show that min-max minimal hypersurfaces can be localized. As a consequence, we obtain the sharp generalization to complete manifolds of the famous Almgren-Pitts min-max theorem in closed manifolds. We use this result to prove the existence of a complete embedded finite area minimal hypersurface of index at most one in every balanced complete manifold.

12 pages