Quadratic and cubic Newton maps of rational functions

Abstract

The dynamics of all quadratic Newton maps of rational functions is completely described. The Julia set of such a map is found to be either a Jordan curve or totally disconnected. It is proved that no Newton map with degree at least three of any rational function is conformally conjugate to a unicritical polynomial (i.e., with exactly one finite critical point). However, there are cubic Newton maps which are conformally conjugate to other polynomials. The Julia set of such a Newton map is shown to be a closed curve. It is a Jordan curve whenever the Newton map has two attracting fixed points.