Note on a paper of J. Llibre and G. Rodríguez concerning algebraic limit cycles (Q2569890)

Let \(C_1, \ldots, C_n\) be any configuration of non-intersecting circles in \(\mathbb{R}^2\), \(C_i = \{(x,y) : f_i(x,y) := (x-x_i)^2 + (y-y_i)^2- r_i^2 = 0 \}\). The author shows that the polynomial vector field \(X = (-f_y-ff_x)\frac{\partial}{\partial x} +(-f_x-ff_y)\frac{\partial}{\partial y}\) has precisely the collection \(C_1, \dots, C_n\) as its periodic orbits, and that they are hyperbolic, asymptotically stable limit cycles. This constitutes a new proof, by a completely new technique, of the fact first proved by \textit{J. Llibre} and \textit{G. Rodríguez} [J. Differ. Equations 198, No. 2, 374--380 (2004; Zbl 1055.34061)] that any configuration of limit cycles in the plane can be realized, up to homeomorphism, by a polynomial vector field. The author generalizes his technique to provide a proof of the analogous fact in \(\mathbb{R}^3\): any configuration of finitely many limit cycles, up to homeomorphism, can be realized by a polynomial vector field. In particular, any knot type can occur in a polynomial system.