The Conley index over a phase space for discrete semidynamical systems. (Q1426486)

Let \(X\) be a locally compact metric space and \(f: X\to X\) a continuous map. The family \(\{f^n: n= 0,1,2,\dots\}\) defines a discrete semidynamical system on \(X\). The author constructs, for semidynamical systems, a discrete version of the Conley index for flows obtained by \textit{M. Mrozek}, \textit{J. F. Reineck} and \textit{R. Srzednicki} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 352, 4171--4194 (2000; Zbl 0967.37011)]. This index generalizes the homotopy Conley index obtained by \textit{A. Szymczak} [Topology Appl. 66, 215--240 (1995; Zbl 0840.34043)]. The author first recalls the definition of categories which is used to construct the index, and then recalls the basic notions from the theory of isolated invariant sets. Next, the author introduces the notion of \(M\)-equivalence and then constructs the Conley index over the phase space \(X\). The author's construction combines the ideas used by A. Szymczak and M. Mrozek et al. mentioned above. The author finally proves a continuation property which is a basic property of the Conley index.