Algebraic independence of reciprocal sums of binary recurrences (Q674561)

Let \((R(n))_{n\geq 0}\) be a binary linear recurrence of rational integers. Then, under appropriate additional conditions, several authors studied during the last decade reciprocal series of the form \(\sum_{h\geq 0}1/R(n(h))\) from the arithmetical point of view for certain subsequences \(n(0)< n(1)<\dots\) of the non-negative integers. In particular, \textit{A. Pethö} and \textit{P. Bundschuh} [Monatsh. Math. 104, 199-223 (1987; Zbl 0601.10025)] proved for the first time the transcendence of such series if \(n(h)\) is of the shape \(d^h\), \(d\geq 2\) a fixed integer, using Mahler's method. This result was considerably extended by \textit{P.-G. Becker} and \textit{T. Töpfer} [Math. Nachr. 168, 5-17 (1994; Zbl 0835.11026)] using more recent developments of Mahler's transcendence method. Following the above-mentioned two papers the present author investigates for the first time the algebraic independence of such reciprocal sums, more precisely of series of the form \[ \mathop{{\sum}'}_{h\geq 0} h^j\zeta^h/ R(kd^h+\ell) \tag{\(*\)} \] for integers \(j\geq 0\) and \(\ell\), and algebraic \(\zeta\neq 0\), if \(d\geq 2\) and \(k\) are fixed positive integers. The \({}'\) indicates summation over all integers \(h\geq 0\) with \(kd^h+\ell\geq 0\) and \(R(kd^h+ \ell)\neq 0\). Furthermore, the cases when one of the series \((*)\) has to be excluded (being trivially algebraic) are precisely characterized; they can occur only for \(d=2\). For the proof the author uses two main sources: The vanishing theorem for power series, by \textit{D. W. Masser} [Invent. Math. 67, 275-296 (1982; Zbl 0489.10026)], and her own most recent work [\textit{K. Nishioka}, Tôhoku Math. J., II. Ser. 48, 51-70 (1996; Zbl 0852.11036)] on the algebraic independence of values of Mahler type functions.