Euler Characteristics and Homotopy Types of Definable Sublevel Sets

Given a continuous definable function $f: S \to \mathbb{R}$ on a definable set $S$, we study sublevel sets of the form $S^f_t = \{x \in S: f(x) \leq t\}$ for all $t \in \mathbb{R}$. Using o-minimal structures, we prove that the Euler characteristic of $S^f_t$ is right continuous with respect to $t$. Furthermore, when $S$ is compact, we show that $S^f_{t+\delta}$ deformation retracts to $S^f_t$ for all sufficiently small $\delta > 0$. Applying these results, we also characterize the relationship between the concepts of Euler characteristic transform and smooth Euler characteristic transform in topological data analysis.