Backward asymptotics in S-unimodal maps

Abstract

While the forward trajectory of a point in a discrete dynamical system is always unique, in general a point can have infinitely many backward trajectories. The union of the limit points of all backward trajectories through $x$ was called by M.~Hero the "special $\alpha$-limit" ($s\alpha$-limit for short) of $x$. In this article we show that there is a hierarchy of $s\alpha$-limits of points under iterations of a S-unimodal map: the size of the $s\alpha$-limit of a point increases monotonically as the point gets closer and closer to the attractor. The $s\alpha$-limit of any point of the attractor is the whole non-wandering set. This hierarchy reflects the structure of the graph of a S-unimodal map recently introduced jointly by Jim Yorke and the present author.