Functional equation (L-function): Difference between revisions

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where ''G''(χ) is a [[Gauss sum]] formed from χ. This equation has the same function on both sides if and only if χ is a ''real character'', taking values in {0,1,−1}. Then ε must be 1 or −1, and the case of the value −1 would imply a zero of ''Λ''(''s'') at ''s'' = ½. According to the theory (of Gauss, in effect) of Gauss sums, the value is always 1, so no such ''simple'' zero can exist (the function is ''even'' about the point).
 
A unified theory of such functional equations was given by [[Erich Hecke]], and the theory was taken up again in ''[[Tate's thesis]]'' by [[John Tate]]. Hecke found generalised characters of number fields., now called [[Hecke character]]s, for which his proof (based on [[theta function]]s) also worked. These characters and their associated L-functions are now understood to be strictly related to [[complex multiplication]], as the Dirichlet characters are to [[cyclotomic field]]s.
 
There are also functional equations for the [[local zeta-function]]s, arising at a fundamental level for the (analogue of) [[Poincaré duality]] in [[étale cohomology]]. The Euler products of the [[Hasse-Weil zeta-function]] for an [[algebraic variety]] ''V'' over a number field ''K'', formed by reducing ''modulo'' [[prime ideal]]s to get local zeta-functions, are conjectured to have a ''global'' functional equation; but this is currently considered out of reach except in special cases. The definition can be read directly out of étale cohomology theory, again; but in general some assumption coming from [[automorphic representation]] theory seems required to get the functional equation. The [[Taniyama-Shimura conjecture]] was a particular case of this as general theory. By relating the gamma-factor aspect to [[Hodge theory]], and detailed studies of the expected ε factor, the theory as empirical has been brought to quite a refined state, even if proofs are missing.