Linear stability estimates for Serrin's problem via a modified implicit function theorem

Abstract: We examine Serrin's classical overdetermined problem under a perturbation of the Neumann boundary condition. The solution of the problem for a constant Neumann boundary condition exists provided that the underlying domain is a ball. The question arises whether for a perturbation of the constant there still are domains admitting solutions to the problem. Furthermore, one may ask whether a domain that admits a solution for the perturbed problem is unique up to translation and whether it is close to the ball. We develop a new implicit function theorem for a pair of Banach triplets that is applicable to nonlinear problems with loss of derivatives except at the point under consideration. Combined with a detailed analysis of the linearized operator, we prove the existence and local uniqueness of a domain admitting a solution to the perturbed overdetermined problem. Moreover, an optimal linear stability estimate for the shape of a domain is established.