Distinct Distances in R³ Between Quadratic and Orthogonal Curves

MaRDI QIDQ6429995zbMATH OpenFDO

Authors Toby Aldape, Jing-Yi Liu, Gregory Pylypovych, Adam Sheffer, Minh-Quan Vo

Publication date 17 March 2023

Abstract: We study the minimum number of distinct distances between point sets on two curves in $R^3$. Assume that one curve contains $m$ points and the other $n$ points. Our main results: (a) When the curves are conic sections, we characterize all cases where the number of distances is $O(m+n)$. This includes new constructions for points on two parabolas, two ellipses, and one ellipse and one hyperbola. In all other cases, the number of distances is $Omega(min{m}^{2/3}{n}^{2/3},m^2,n^2)$. (b) When the curves are not necessarily algebraic but smooth and contained in perpendicular planes, we characterize all cases where the number of distances is $O(m+n)$. This includes a surprising new construction of non-algebraic curves that involve logarithms. In all other cases, the number of distances is $Omega(min{m}^{2/3}{n}^{2/3},m^2,n^2)$.

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