Compactness of the $Q$-curvature problem

Abstract: We provide a complete resolution to the question of the $C^4$-compactness for the solution set of the constant $Q$-curvature problem on a smooth closed Riemannian manifold of dimension $5 \leq n \leq 24$. For dimensions $n\geq 25$, an example of an $L^{\infty}$-unbounded sequence of solutions for $n \geq 25$ has been known for over a decade (Wei-Zhao). On the other hand, Li-Xiong established compactness in dimensions $5\leq n \leq 9$ (under some conditions). Our principal observation is that the linearized equation associated with the $Q$-curvature problem can be transformed into an overdetermined linear system, which admits a nontrivial solution due to an unexpected algebraic structure of the Paneitz operator. This key insight plays a crucial role in extending the compactness result to higher dimensions.