Sums of squares in function fields of hyperelliptic curves (Q1006832)

Pythagoras numbers and \(u\)-invariants of quadratic extensions of rational function fields in one variable are studied by means of techniques of algebraic theory of quadratic forms. The results are motivated by, and extend and improve on the papers \textit{S. V. Tikhonov} and \textit{V. I. Yanchevskii} [Dokl. Nats. Akad. Nauk Belarusi 47, No. 2, 5--8 (2003; Zbl 1204.12003)], and \textit{S. V. Tikhonov, J. Van Geel} and \textit{V. I. Yanchevskii} [Manuscr. Math. 119, No. 3, 305--322 (2006; Zbl 1120.14016)]. Most of the results calculate the Pythagoras number and the \(u\)-invariant for hereditarily Pythagorean fields and function fields over fields carrying a Henselian valuation with value group \(\mathbb Z\) and hereditarily Euclidean residue field.