The Conley index over a phase space for flows (Q353468)

The author explores a generalization of the Conley index first introduced in [\textit{M. Mrozek, J. Reineck} and \textit{R. Srzednicki}, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 352, No. 9, 4171--4194 (2000; Zbl 0967.37011)]. In that paper a new index for flows is defined, called Conley index over a base, which overcomes some restrictions which arise from the local nature of the classical Conley index. The notion of fiberwise deforming homotopy plays a prominent role in the definition. The discrete counterpart of the so-called Conley index over a base was defined by the author of this paper in [Topology Appl. 138, No. 1--3, 167--188 (2004; Zbl 1041.37006)].NEWLINENEWLINEIn this article the author proposes an alternative Conley index over a base for flows, named mh-index, using the notion of fiberwise moving homotopy instead of fiberwise deforming homotopy. Despite being closely related, these concepts are not equivalent. The mh-index is proved to be a generalization of the classical Conley index for flows, also satisfying the Wazewski and continuation properties.NEWLINENEWLINESome examples in which the mh-index is computed and serves to distinguish isolated invariant sets which are not related by continuation are provided. As pointed out by the author, it is an open question whether the mh-index and the Conley index over a base are related in general.