Maximal Theta Functions -- Universal Optimality of the Hexagonal Lattice for Madelung-Like Lattice Energies

Abstract: We present two families of lattice theta functions accompanying the family of lattice theta functions studied by Montgomery in [H.~Montgomery. Minimal theta functions. \textit{Glasgow Mathematical Journal}, 30(1):75--85, 1988]. The studied theta functions are generalizations of the Jacobi theta-2 and theta-4 functions. Contrary to Montgomery's result, we show that, among lattices, the hexagonal lattice is the unique maximizer of both families of theta functions. As an immediate consequence, we obtain a new universal optimality result for the hexagonal lattice among two-dimensional alternating charged lattices and lattices shifted by the center of their unit cell.