Metric attractors for smooth unimodal maps (Q1883983)

The classification of measure theoretic attractors of general \(C^3\) unimodal maps with quadratic critical points is studied. In particular, the work solves in the affirmative Milnor's problem (whether the metric and topological attractors coincide for a given smooth unimodal map) for smooth unimodal maps with quadratic critical point. Certain of the results obtained are the following theorem and two corollaries: Let \(I\) be a compact interval and \(f:I\to I\) be a \(C^3\) unimodal map with \(C^3\) nonflat critical point of order 2. Then the \(\omega\)-limit set of a Lebesgue almost every point of \(I\) is either 1. a nonrepelling periodic orbit, or 2. a transitive cycle of intervals, or 3. a Cantor set of solenoid type. Corollary 1: Every metric attractor of \(f\) is either 1. a topologically attracting periodic orbit, or 2. a transitive cycle of intervals, or 3. a Cantor set of solenoid type. Corollary 2. The metric and topological attractors of \(f\) coincide. The main ingredient is the decay of geometry.