Invariant circles in the Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation for diffeomorphisms

AbstractWe study a generic, real analytic unfolding of a planar diffeomorphism having a fixed point with unipotent linear part. In the analogue for vector fields an open parameter domain is known to exist, with a unique limit cycle. This domain is bounded by curves corresponding to a Hopf bifurcation and to a homoclinic connection. In the present case of analytic diffeomorphisms, a similar domain is shown to exist, with a normally hyperbolic invariant circle. It follows that all the ‘interesting’ dynamics, concerning the destruction of the invariant circle and the transition to trivial dynamics by the creation and death of homoclinic points, takes place in an exponentially small part of the…