Words with factor complexity $2n+1$ and minimal critical exponent

Word ${\mathbf G}$ is the fixed point of the morphism $γ=[01,2,02]$. In 2019, Shallit and Shur showed that ${\mathbf G}$ has factor complexity $2n+1$. They also showed that ${\mathbf G}$ has critical exponent $μ=2+\frac{1}{λ^2-1}= 2.4808726\cdots$, where $λ=1.7548777$ is the real zero of $x^3-2x+x-1=0$. They conjectured that this was the least possible critical exponent among words with factor complexity $2n+1$. We confirm their conjecture. The proof, using an intricate case analysis, is by computer. The relevant program generates a `human readable' proof.

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Publication Details

Journal
arXiv (Cornell University)
Published
2025-07-12
Primary Topic
semigroups and automata theory
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Words with factor complexity $2n+1$ and minimal critical exponent

arXiv (Cornell University)
semigroups and automata theory
article

Words with factor complexity $2n+1$ and minimal critical exponent

article en

Abstract

Word ${\mathbf G}$ is the fixed point of the morphism $γ=[01,2,02]$. In 2019, Shallit and Shur showed that ${\mathbf G}$ has factor complexity $2n+1$. They also showed that ${\mathbf G}$ has critical exponent $μ=2+\frac{1}{λ^2-1}= 2.4808726\cdots$, where $λ=1.7548777$ is the real zero of $x^3-2x+x-1=0$. They conjectured that this was the least possible critical exponent among words with factor complexity $2n+1$. We confirm their conjecture. The proof, using an intricate case analysis, is by computer. The relevant program generates a `human readable' proof.

arXiv (Cornell University)
The University of Winnipeg (CA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 48%
semigroups and automata theory
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Words with factor complexity $2n+1$ and minimal critical exponent · arXiv (Cornell University) (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS