Converse theorem of Gauss sums. With an appendix by Zhiwei Yun (Q2220460)

Consider a finite field \(\mathbb{F}_{q^n}\). Given a nontrivial additive character \(\psi\). Let \(\chi_1\) and \(\chi_2\) be multiplicative characters of \(\mathbb{F}_{q^n}^\times\), where \(\chi_1\) and \(\chi_2\) are equal up to a Frobenius twist. It is investigated when the Gauss sums \(G(\chi_1\cdot\eta,\psi)\) are equal to each other whenever \(\eta\) is an arbitrary multiplicative character of \(\mathbb{F}_{q^n}^\times\). The answer is in the affirmative when \(n\le 5\). In the appendix by Zhiwei Yun, it is shown that the answer is also positive, when \(n\le\frac{q-1}{2\sqrt{q}}+1\) happens to be the case. The authors argue, that the answer might be also positive when \(n\) is a prime number. The paper does contain much more detailed information; it is certainly technical but very clear. See also in particular the papers in the list of references.