Uniqueness of critical points and maximum principles of the singular minimal surface equation

We consider a smooth solution $u>0$ of the singular minimal surface equation $\sqrt{1+|Du{|}^2}\text{ div}(Du/\sqrt{1+|Du{|}^2})=\alpha /u$ defined in a bounded strictly convex domain of ${\mathbb{R}}^2$ with constant boundary condition. If $\alpha <0$, we prove the existence a unique critical point of u. We also derive some $C^0$ and $C^1$ estimates of u by using the theory of maximum principles of Payne and Philippin for a certain family of Φ-functions. Finally we deduce an existence theorem of the Dirichlet problem when $\alpha <0$.