Minimal hypersurfaces of finite $\delta$-index in $\mathbb R^4$ and $\mathbb R^5$

Abstract

Let $X:M^n\to\mathbb R^{n+1}$ be a complete, connected, two-sided minimal immersion without boundary, where $n=3,4$. We prove that finite $\delta$-index, finite Morse index, and finite total curvature are equivalent for $\delta>((n-1)/n)^2$, without assumptions on properness, volume growth, or topology. The main estimate shows that $\delta$-stability outside a compact set and finite-dimensional $H_c^1(M;\mathbb R)$ imply intrinsic Euclidean volume growth for $\delta>(n-2)/n$. We also deduce the sharp $\delta$-stable Bernstein theorem in this latter range from results of Hong--Li--Wang and Florit-Simon.