Short Simple Orthogonal Geodesic Chords on a 2-Disk with Convex Boundary

Abstract

We prove the existence of at least two distinct short, simple orthogonal geodesic chords on a Riemannian 2-disk $M$ with convex boundary. The lengths of these curves are bounded in terms of the length of $\partial M$, the diameter of $M$, and the area of $M$. We also prove the existence of a short, simple geodesic chord on any Riemannian 2-disk.

17 pages, 6 figures