Symmetrization procedures for the isoperimetric problem in symmetric spaces of noncompact type

We establish a new symmetrization procedure for the isoperimetric problem in symmetric spaces of noncompact type. This symmetrization generalizes the well known Steiner symmetrization in euclidean space. In contrast to the classical construction the symmetrized domain is obtained by solving a nonlinear elliptic equation of mean curvature type. We conclude the paper discussing possible applications to the isoperimetric problem in symmetric spaces of noncompact type.