Homological category weights and estimates for \(\mathrm{cat}^1(X,\xi)\) (Q2478613)

The authors introduce a new notion of category weight for homology classes in a quite similar way as E. Fadell and S. Husseini did for the cohomological category weight. Let \(x\in H_q(X;R)\) be a singular homology class with respect to a local system \(R\) and \(k\geq 0\). The homological weight of \(x\), \(cwgt(x)\), is \(\geq k\) if for some closed subset \(A\subset X\) with cat\(_XA\leq k\) there is a singular cycle \(c\) in \(X-A\) representing \(x\). An important property of the homological weight is its invariance along homotopy equivalences. The authors use this notion to study various nice generalizations of the Lusternik-Schnirelmann category which have applications in dynamics (see for instance the first author's book [Topology of closed one-forms. Mathematical Surveys and Monographs 108. (Providence), RI: American Mathematical Society (AMS). (2004; Zbl 1052.58016)]). Their primary goal is to compare two invariants cat\((X,\xi)\) and cat\(^1(X,\xi)\) associated to a 1-form \(\xi\).