A Convex Dual Formulation for a Large Class of Non-Convex Models in Variational Optimization

This chapter develops a convex dual variational formulation for a large class of models in variational optimization. The results are established through basic tools of functional analysis, convex analysis and duality theory. The main duality principle is developed as an application to a Ginzburg-Landau type system in superconductivity in the absence of a magnetic field.