Criteria for \(D_4\) singularities of wave fronts (Q542910)

A map \(f:\mathbb R^2 \to\mathbb R^3\) is called a wave front if it is the composition of a Legendrian map \(\mathbb R^2 \to S^1(T^*(\mathbb R^3))\) and the projection \(S^1(T^*(\mathbb R^3))\to\mathbb R^3\). Generic singularities of wave fronts were classified by Arnold and Zakalyukin. Two of the most degenerate generic singularities are called \(D_4^+\) and \(D_4^-\). The main result of the present paper is a characterization of these singularities in terms of the first derivative and the sign of the determinant of the Hessian of \(f\). The author also studies the singular curvatures of cuspidal edges near a \(D_4^+\) singularity.