Mean-convex sets and minimal barriers

Abstract

A mean-convex set can be regarded as a barrier for the construction of minimal surfaces. Namely, if we are given a mean-convex set and a null-homotopic Jordan curve on its boundary, then there exists an embedded minimal disk with boundary the given curve contained in the starting mean-convex set. Does a mean-convex set contain all minimal disks with boundary on it? Does it contain the solutions of Plateau's problem? We answer this question negatively and characterize the least barrier enclosing all the minimal hypersurfaces with boundary on a given set.