The Conley index for discrete dynamical systems and the mapping torus (Q2324605)

Let \(S\subset X\) be an isolated invariant set of a discrete dynamical system \(f:X\to X\) on a locally compact metric space \(X\). In [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 352, No. 7, 3305--3322 (2000; Zbl 0956.37010)] \textit{J. Franks} and \textit{D. Richeson} defined the Conley index of \(S\) to be the shift equivalence class of the induced map \(f_P:N/L\to N/L\) for a filtration pair \(P=(N,L)\). In the present paper the author defines the (pointed) mapping torus index of \(S\) as the (pointed) homotopy type of the mapping torus of \(f_P\). It is proved that this is well defined, and that typical properties of the Conley index hold. The notion is weaker than the discrete Conley index of \textit{J. Franks} and \textit{D. Richeson} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 352, No. 7, 3305--3322 (2000; Zbl 0956.37010)] but more accessible to computations. In the case of a continuous flow the pointed mapping torus index is equivalent to the Conley index of the suspension flow. The paper also contains an idea for a numerical approach for computing the mapping torus index.