English

Isotopy classification of Morse polynomials of degree 3 in ${\mathbb R}^3$

Algebraic Topology 2026-03-09 v9

Abstract

We enumerate all isotopy classes of degree three Morse polynomials R3R1{\mathbb R}^3 \to {\mathbb R}^1 with nonsingular principal homogeneous parts, proving that there are exactly 37 of them. We also count all 2258 isotopy classes of {\em strictly} Morse polynomials R3R1{\mathbb R}^3 \to {\mathbb R}^1 of degree three with the maximal possible number (eight) of real critical points. A main tool in this classification is a combinatorial computer program that formalizes Morse surgeries, local monodromy and Picard-Lefschetz theory.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2404.17891,
  title  = {Isotopy classification of Morse polynomials of degree 3 in ${\mathbb R}^3$},
  author = {V. A. Vassiliev},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2404.17891},
  year   = {2026}
}