An optimal lower bound in fractional spectral geometry for planar sets with topological constraints

Abstract

We prove a lower bound on the first eigenvalue of the fractional Dirichlet-Laplacian of order $s$ on planar open sets, in terms of their inradius and topology. The result is optimal, in many respects. In particular, we recover a classical result proved independently by Croke, Osserman and Taylor, in the limit as $s$ goes to $1$. The limit as $s$ goes to $1/2$ is carefully analyzed, as well.