Counting saddle connections in flat surfaces with poles of higher order

Abstract

Flat surfaces that correspond to $k$-differentials on compact Riemann surfaces are of finite area provided there is no pole of order $k$ or higher. We denote by \textit{flat surfaces with poles of higher order} those surfaces with flat structures defined by a $k$-differential with at least one pole of order at least $k$. Flat surfaces with poles of higher order have different geometrical and dynamical properties than usual flat surfaces of finite area. In particular, they can have a finite number of saddle connections. We give lower and upper bounds for the number of saddle connections and related quantities. In the case $k=1\ or\ 2$, we provide a combinatorial characterization of the strata for which there can be an infinite number of saddle connections.