A criterion for a proper rational map to be equivalent to a proper polynomial map

Abstract

In this paper, we give an explicit criterion when a rational holomorphic map between balls is equivalent to a polynomial holomorphic map. Making use of this criterion, we show that any proper rational holomorphic map from B^2 into B^N of degree two is equivalent to a polynomial holomorphic map; we also construct rational holomorphic maps of degree 3 that are almost linear but are not equivalent to polynomial holomorphic maps.

13 pages. Dedicated to Professor J. Kohn on the occasion of his 75th birthday