Asymptotic phase revisited

We discuss the classical problem on asymptotic phase of periodic orbits of planar systems. The existence of asymptotic phase for non-hyperbolic periodic orbits is completely determined with hypotheses on the derivatives of a Poincaré map and a return-time map. Smoothness of the vector field turns out to be crucial for existence of asymptotic phase. For hyperbolic periodic orbits, a new proof for the existence of invariant foliations is provided.