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    We introduce an algorithm for construction of the Morse hierarchy, i.e., a hierarchy of Morse decompositions of a piecewise constant vector field on a surface driven by stability of the Morse sets with respect to perturbation of the vector field. Our approach builds upon earlier work on stable Morse decompositions, which can be used to obtain Morse sets of user-prescribed stability. More stable Morse decompositions are coarser, i.e., they consist of larger Morse sets. In this work, we develop an algorithm for tracking the growth of Morse sets and topological events (mergers) that they undergo as their stability is gradually increased. The resulting Morse hierarchy can be explored interactively. We provide examples demonstrating that it can provide a useful coarse overview of the vector field topology.
    Discrete Morse theory
    Morse potential
    Citations (18)
    Consider a knot $K$ in $S^3$ with uniformly distributed electric charge. From the standpoint of both physics and knot theory, it is natural to try to understand the critical points of the potential and their behavior. By taking successive preimages of regular potential values, we get an $N-$tuple of compact orientable surfaces, whose genera we define as the Morse code. We relate the topological data of the critical set to the Morse code. We show that critical points of index $1$ correspond to increases in successive terms in the Morse code, whilst critical points of index $2$ correspond to decreases. Our theorem is proven with Morse theory and techniques from geometric topology. keywords: knot theory, electrostatics, Morse theory, Morse code, dynamical systems, geometric topology
    Code (set theory)
    Citations (0)
    Based on Morse homology of Morse functions, we give a new proof of the Morse-Bott inequalities for functions with non-degenerate critical manifolds. A proof of the Morse inequalities for functions with isolated critical points as developed by Gromoll-Meyer is also presented with the same method.
    Circle-valued Morse theory
    Morse homology
    Homology
    Discrete Morse theory
    Citations (7)
    Discrete Morse theory
    Morse potential
    Link (geometry)
    Circle-valued Morse theory
    We discuss generic smooth maps from smooth manifolds to smooth surfaces, which we call “Morse 2-functions,” and homotopies between such maps. The two central issues are to keep the fibers connected, in which case the Morse 2-function is “fiber-connected,” and to avoid local extrema over one-dimensional submanifolds of the range, in which case the Morse 2-function is “indefinite.” This is foundational work for the long-range goal of defining smooth invariants from Morse 2-functions using tools analogous to classical Morse homology and Cerf theory.
    Maxima and minima
    Circle-valued Morse theory
    Morse homology
    Homology
    Discrete Morse theory
    Citations (13)
    The questions when two Morse function on closed manifolds are conjugated is investigated. Using the handle decompositions of manifolds the condition of conjugation is formulated. For each Morse function on 3-manifold the ordered generalized Heegaard diagram is built. The criteria of Morse function conjugation are given in the terms of equivalence of such diagrams.
    Hamiltonian (control theory)
    Circle-valued Morse theory
    Morse potential