Multiple solutions to a semilinear elliptic equation with a sharp change of sign in the nonlinearity

Abstract: We consider a nonautonomous semilinear elliptic problem where the power nonlinearity is multiplied by a discontinuous coefficient that equals one inside a bounded open set $\Omega$ and it equals minus one in its complement. In the slightly subcritical regime, we prove the existence of concentrating positive and nodal solutions. Moreover, depending on the geometry of $\Omega$, we establish multiplicity of positive solutions. Finally, in the critical case, we show the existence of a blow-up positive solution when $\Omega$ has nontrivial topology. Our proofs rely on a Lyapunov-Schmidt reduction strategy which in these problems turns out to be remarkably simple. We take this opportunity to highlight certain aspects of the method that are often overlooked and present it in a more accessible and detailed manner for nonexperts.