Singular limit laminations, Morse index, and positive scalar curvature

Abstract

For any 3-manifold M and any nonnegative integer g, we give here examples of metrics on M each of which has a sequence of embedded minimal surfaces of genus g and without Morse index bounds. On any spherical space form S^3/Gamma we construct such a metric with positive scalar curvature. More generally we construct such a metric with Scal>0 (and such surfaces) on any 3-manifold which carries a metric with Scal>0. In all but one of these examples the Hausdorff limit will be a singular minimal lamination. The singularities being in each case exactly two points lying on a closed leaf (the leaf is a strictly stable sphere).

19 pages, 10 pictures, Report 66 at http://www.mis.mpg.de/preprints/2002, Submitted to Topology