Julia Set / 朱利亚集合

Complex plane iterative fractal - z_{n+1} = z_n^2 + c

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About Julia Sets

Julia sets are fractals defined by the iteration formula z_{n+1} = z_n^2 + c, where c is a complex constant. Unlike the Mandelbrot set (which varies c for z_0 = 0), Julia sets fix c and vary the starting point z_0 across the complex plane.

Connection to Mandelbrot Set

The Mandelbrot set serves as a "map" of all Julia sets. Points c inside the Mandelbrot set produce connected Julia sets, while points outside produce disconnected "Cantor dust" sets. The boundary of the Mandelbrot set contains the most interesting Julia sets with complex structures.

Types of Julia Sets

  • Connected: c is inside the Mandelbrot set. The Julia set is a single connected piece.
  • Disconnected: c is outside the Mandelbrot set. The Julia set breaks into dust-like fragments.
  • Dendrite: c is on the boundary. The Julia set forms tree-like structures without interior.

Escape-Time Algorithm

For each point z_0 in the complex plane, we iterate the formula. If |z_n| exceeds the escape radius (typically 2), the point "escapes" to infinity and is colored based on how many iterations it took. Points that never escape (remain bounded) form the Julia set and are colored black.

Controls

  • Mouse Wheel: Zoom in/out at cursor position
  • Click & Drag: Pan around the fractal
  • Mandelbrot Click: Click on mini Mandelbrot to select c
  • Presets: Quick access to famous Julia sets
  • Keyboard: Arrow keys to pan, +/- to zoom, R to reset