Lectures On P Adic Differential Equations

Lectures on P-Adic Differential Equations

Lectures on P-adic Differential Equations

The present work treats p-adic properties of solutions of the hypergeometric differential equation d2 d ̃ ( x(l - x) dx + (c(l - x) + (c - 1 - a - b)x) dx - ab)y = 0, 2 with a, b, c in 4) n Zp, by constructing the associated Frobenius structure. For this construction we draw upon the methods of Alan Adolphson [1] in his 1976 work on Hecke polynomials. We are also indebted to him for the account (appearing as an appendix) of the relation between this differential equation and certain L-functions. We are indebted to G. Washnitzer for the method used in the construction of our dual theory (Chapter 2). These notes represent an expanded form of lectures given at the U. L. P. in Strasbourg during the fall term of 1980. We take this opportunity to thank Professor R. Girard and IRMA for their hospitality. Our subject-p-adic analysis-was founded by Marc Krasner. We take pleasure in dedicating this work to him. Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . 1. The Space L (Algebraic Theory) 8 2. Dual Theory (Algebraic) 14 3. Transcendental Theory . . . . 33 4. Analytic Dual Theory. . . . . 48 5. Basic Properties of", Operator. 73 6. Calculation Modulo p of the Matrix of ̃ f,h 92 7. Hasse Invariants . . . . . . 108 8. The a --+ a' Map . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 9. Normalized Solution Matrix. . . . . .. 113 10. Nilpotent Second-Order Linear Differential Equations with Fuchsian Singularities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 11. Second-Order Linear Differential Equations Modulo Powers ofp ..... .

p-adic Differential Equations

Over the last 50 years the theory of p-adic differential equations has grown into an active area of research in its own right, and has important applications to number theory and to computer science. This book, the first comprehensive and unified introduction to the subject, improves and simplifies existing results as well as including original material. Based on a course given by the author at MIT, this modern treatment is accessible to graduate students and researchers. Exercises are included at the end of each chapter to help the reader review the material, and the author also provides detailed references to the literature to aid further study.