Accumulation theorems for quadratic polynomials

Abstract

AbstractWe consider the one-parameter family of quadratic polynomials:i.e. monic centered quadratic polynomials with an indifferent fixed point αtand prefixed point −αt. LetAt, be any one of the sets {0, ±αt}, {±αt}, {0, αt}, or {0, −αt}. Then we prove that for quadratic Julia sets corresponding to aGδ-dense subset ofthere is an explicitly given external ray accumulating onAt. In the caseAt= {±αt} the theorem is known as theDouady accumulation theorem.Corollaries are the non-local connectivity of these Julia sets and the fact that all such Julia sets contain a Cremer point. Existence of non-locally connected quadratic Julia sets of Hausdorff dimension two is derived by using a recent result of Shishikura. By tuning, the results hold on the boundary of any hyperbolic component of the Mandelbrot set.Finally, we concentrate on quadratic Cremer point polynomials. Here we prove that any ray accumulating on two symmetrical points of the Julia set must accumulate the origin. As a consequence, the denseGδsets arising from the first two possible choices ofAtare the same. We also prove that, if two distinct rays accumulate both to two distinct points, then the rays must accumulate on a common continuum joining the two points. This supports the conjecture that αtand –αtmay be joined by an arc in the Julia set.