Integer orbits in rectangular lattice billiards

Abstract

In this paper we consider rectangular billiard tables having vertices with integer coordinates, and side lengths equal to integer multiples of the norms of the side directions. We also assume that all the bouncing points of a billiard ball are constrained to belong to the integer lattice Z2. We address several questions concerning combinatorial and geometric properties of the allowed orbits, that, due to the integer constraint, are called integer orbits. We give a complete classification of integer orbits, and the parameters contributing to their structure are precisely determined. This leads to understand how the orbit fills the lattice billiard before it really propagates. In particular, one can characterize the trajectories that reach a billiard pocket, as well as all the closed orbits, by the simple knowledge of the size of the billiard table, and of the starting moving direction. The characterization bases on the explicit determination of the numerical sequences corresponding to clockwise, and counterclockwise, bouncing. We also investigate the geometrical structure of an allowed orbit in terms of special sub-patterns, called Z-paths, pointing out the allowed lengths of different Z-paths in a same orbit. This is of independent interest, and is related to the configurations known as switching components, that play a crucial role in discrete tomography, and in problems concerning image reconstruction.