A short proof of the minimality of Simons cone

Abstract

In 1969 Bombieri, De Giorgi and Giusti proved that Simons cone is a minimal surface, thus providing the first example of a minimal surface with a singularity. We suggest a simplified proof of the same result. Our proof is based on the use of sub-calibrations, which are unit vector fields extending the normal vector to the surface, and having non-positive divergence. With respect to calibrations (which are divergence free) sub-calibrations are more easy to find and anyway are enough to prove the minimality of the surface.