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 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 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}
}