English

Words with factor complexity $2n+1$ and minimal critical exponent

Combinatorics 2026-03-17 v3 Formal Languages and Automata Theory

Abstract

Word G{\mathbf G} is the fixed point of the morphism γ=[01,2,02]\gamma=[01,2,02]. In 2019, Shallit and Shur showed that G{\mathbf G} has factor complexity 2n+12n+1. They also showed that G{\mathbf G} has critical exponent μ=2+1λ21=2.4808726\mu=2+\frac{1}{\lambda^2-1}= 2.4808726\cdots, where λ=1.7548777\lambda=1.7548777 is the real zero of x32x+x1=0x^3-2x+x-1=0. They conjectured that this was the least possible critical exponent among words with factor complexity 2n+12n+1. We confirm their conjecture. The proof, using an intricate case analysis, is by computer. The relevant program generates a `human readable' proof.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2507.09387,
  title  = {Words with factor complexity $2n+1$ and minimal critical exponent},
  author = {James D. Currie},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2507.09387},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

Substantial revision of original submission

R2 v1 2026-07-01T03:58:09.121Z