On maximizers of convolution operators in $L_p$ spaces

Abstract

A convolution operator in $\mathbb{R}^d$ with kernel in $L_q$ acts from $L_p$ to $L_s$, where $1/p+1/q=1+1/s$. The main theorem states that if $1<q,p,s<\infty$, then there exists an $L_p$ function of unit norm on which the $s$-norm of the convolution is attained. A number of questions, solved and open, related to the statement and proof of the main theorem, are discussed. The problem of computing best constants in the Hausdorff-Young inequality for the Laplace transform, which prompted this research, is considered.