We study solutions of the focusing energy-critical nonlinear heat equation $u_t = \Delta u - |u|^2u$ in $\mathbb{ R}^4.$ We show that solutions emanating from initial data with energy and $\dot{ H}^1-$norm below those of the stationary solution $W$ are global and decay to zero, via the "concentration-compactness plus rigidity" strategy of Kenig-Merle. First, such global solutions are shown to dissipate to zero, using a refinement of the small data theory and the $L^2$-dissipation relation. Finite-time blow-up is then ruled out using the backwards-uniqueness of Escauriaza, Seregin and Sverak in an argument similar to that of Kenig and Koch for the Navier-Stokes equations.
Categories: math.AP