Foci and Foliations of Real Algebraic Curves

摘要

We discuss diverse results whose common thread is the notion of focus of an algebraic curve. In a unified setting, which combines elements of projective geometry, complex analysis and Riemann surface theory, we explain the roles of ordinary and singular foci in results on numerical ranges of matrices, quadrature domains, Schwarzian reflection, and other topics. We introduce the notion of canonical foliation of a real algebraic curve, which places foci into the context of continuous families of plane curves and provides a useful method of visualization of all relevant structures in a planar graphical image.