A Horizon-Free Extrinsic Penrose Inequality

Abstract

Let $S\subset\mathbb R^3$ be a properly embedded mean-convex planar surface with finitely many ends. Designate one end as asymptotically flat, assume that $H_S$ is integrable there, and denote its extrinsic mass by $m_+(S)$. Let $A_S$ be the infimum of the areas of compact surfaces separating the distinguished end from all the others. We prove \[ m_+(S)\geq\sqrt{\frac{A_S}π}. \] No outermost free-boundary minimal surface is assumed, and no asymptotic or integrability condition is imposed on the other ends. If $A_S=0$, equality holds precisely for the Euclidean half-space. The complete catenoid realizes equality with $A_S>0$. Conversely, if equality holds with $A_S>0$, then $A_S$ is attained by a flat free-boundary disk that is outermost toward the distinguished end, and the corresponding component of $S$ is a half-catenoid.