Abstract
This chapter introduces Spectral Breakdown Theory as a novel extension of classical catastrophe theory, offering a simplified framework for analyzing singularities. Unlike René Thom’s approach, which operates in the normal space of degenerate critical points with complex and multiple roots, spectral breakdown transforms these into simple, real roots within a spectral space. This transformation is governed by two operators: R, which reduces root multiplicities, and D, which projects complex roots onto their real parts. The resulting singularities—termed spectral-derived catastrophes—are classified into three types based on the global impact t: simple (t > 0), complex (t < 0), and stable (t = 0). Each type reflects a distinct balance between the operators R and D, influencing the preservation or loss of structural information from the original catastrophe.
The chapter formalizes these concepts through rigorous definitions, metrics, and examples, demonstrating how spectral singularities differ topologically and dynamically from their normal counterparts. Notably, complex and stable singularities exhibit non-proximity to normal catastrophes due to the loss of multiplicities and imaginary components, while simple singularities retain root locations but lack degeneracies. The theory is further extended into spectral geometry, which organizes singularities by their root configurations and stratifies the spectral space accordingly.
Applications span complex analysis, quantum decoherence, dynamical systems, and numerical simulation. The framework offers a new lens for interpreting bifurcation phenomena and stabilizing instabilities. Future directions include formalizing the geometry of the spectral space and exploring topological invariants associated with spectral singularities.
