On the fixed points set of differential systems reversibilities (Q310060)

The paper considers a planar dynamical system \[ d z / d t \;= \;F (z ), \eqno(*) \] where \(z \in \Omega\) (an open connected region in \({\mathbf C}\)), including the origin \(O\), and \(F \in \mathcal{C}^1 (\Omega, {\mathbf C} )\). The flow of the system issued from \(z = z_0\) is denoted as \(\phi (t, z_0)\). Assuming that \(O\) is a stable critical point for the system, one is often interested in determining if it is an attractor or an accumulation point of cycles (in particular, a center). This problem can sometimes be solved using the invariance of the system under a parity transformation; but if such a transformation is not elementary, the application of this approach is not easy. A previous result [\textit{C. B. Collins}, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 259, No. 1, 168--187 (2001; Zbl 1004.34015)] provided criteria which help in identifying the required transformation, if any; in particular, it states that (when \(F\) is analytic), if a symmetry line exists, it must lie in the zero-divergence set. The present paper generalizes this result. A \(\mathcal{C}^1\) diffeomorphism \(\sigma : \Omega \to \Omega\) is said to be an involution if \(\sigma [ \sigma (z) ] = z\), and a \textit{reversing involution} if (for all \(t,z\) such that both members are defined) \[ \phi (t , \sigma (z) ) \;= \;\sigma ( \phi (-t , z)). \] The analogue of a symmetry line is then the fixed point set for \(\sigma\), i.e. \(\{ z \;: \;\sigma (z) = z \} \subset \Omega\). The main result is the following, where \(\Delta_0 \subset \Omega\) denotes the set of points where \(\operatorname{div} (F) = 0\). Let \(\sigma\) be a measure-preserving reversing involution for \((*)\). If there are \(z \in \Omega\) and \(t_z \in {\mathbb R}\) such that \(\sigma (z) = \phi (t_z , z) \not= z\), then the trajectory connecting \(z\) to \(\sigma (z)\) contains a point \(z_0 \in \Delta_0\). If \(z\) is a regular \(\sigma\)-fixed point, then \(z \in \Delta_0\). Some applications -- in particular to the above mentioned problem of distinguishing between a sink and a center -- and examples are also considered.