On the saddle point property of Abresch-Langer curves under the curve shortening flow (Q614506)

The curve shortening flow in the plane drives embedded closed curves to convex curves and finally they become asymptotically circular. If the starting curve has double points, singularities may occur. \textit{U. Abresch} and \textit{J. Langer} [J. Differ. Geom. 23, 175--196 (1986; Zbl 0592.53002)] conjectured that so-called homothetic or self-similar solutions on one side tend to multifold circles and on the other side to curves with cusps. This conjecture is proved here.