This monograph provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to
the optimization of elliptic systems. The book addresses some of the
pressing unsolved questions in the field, concentrating on two main
directions: the optimal control of linear and nonlinear elliptic
equations, and problems involving unknown and/or variable domains.
Throughout, the authors elucidate connections between seemingly
different types of problems. One basic feature is to relax the needed
regularity assumptions as much as possible to include larger classes of
possible applications. The six chapters give a gradual and accessible
presentation of the material, and a special effort is made to present
numerous examples. In addition to its appeal to students and
researchers, much of this material will prove useful for scientists from
other fields where the optimization of elliptic systems occurs, such as
physics, mechanics, and engineering.