An asymptotic theorem for minimal surfaces and existence results for minimal graphs in $${mathbb H^2 times mathbb R}$$

In this paper we prove a general and sharp Asymptotic Theorem for minimal surfaces in . As a consequence, we prove that there is no properly immersed minimal surface whose asymptotic boundary Γ_∞ is a Jordan curve homologous to zero in such that Γ_∞ is contained in a slab between two horizontal circles of with width equal to π. We construct vertical minimal graphs in over certain unbounded admissible domains taking certain prescribed finite boundary data and certain prescribed asymptotic boundary data. Our admissible unbounded domains Ω in are non necessarily convex and non necessarily bounded by convex arcs; each component of its boundary is properly embedded with zero, one or two points on its asymptotic boundary, satisfying a further geometric condition. The first author wish to thank Laboratoire Géométrie et Dynamique de l’Institut de Mathématiques de Jussieu for the kind hospitality and support. The authors would like to thank CNPq, PRONEX of Brazil and Accord Brasil-France, for partial financial support.