The conjugate locus on convex surfaces (Q2417661): Difference between revisions

The author proves that the number $n$ of cusps on the conjugate locus of a generic point of a closed convex surface in Euclidean 3-space and the rotation index $i$ (defined in the paper, in analogy with the theory of plane curves) are related by $n=2i+2$. Hence the author derives a 4-vertex theorem: The conjugate locus of a generic point has at least 4 cusps.