On the weight of higher order Weierstrass points (Q1075392)

For a divisor D on a complete non-singular curve of genus at least 2 over an algebraically closed field the notion of D-weight, \(w_ D(P)\), of a point P has been defined [\textit{D. Laksov}, Astérisque 87/88, 221-247 (1981; Zbl 0489.14007)]. P is said to be a D-Weierstrass point if its D- weight is positive. In the paper under review the following results are established: For a divisor D of degree at least 2g-1 on C \((a)\quad w_ D(P)\leq g(g+1)\) with equality if and only if C is hyperelliptic, P is a K- Weierstrass point, and D is linearly equivalent to \(K+(d-2g+2)P.\) For non-hyperelliptic C, \((b)\quad w_ D(P)\leq k(g)+g,\) (see below) with the maximum achieved for every value of the degree and \(g\geq 3\), and \((c)\quad if\) equality occurs in (b), \(w_ K(P)=k(g).\) Here k(g) is g(g-1)/3 if g is 3,4,6,7, or 9, and \((g^ 2-5g+10)/2\) if g is 5,8, or at least 10. - This extends a result of \textit{T. Kato} [Math. Ann. 239, 141-147 (1979; Zbl 0401.30037)]. A counterexample to a conjecture of Duma is given, and conditions for its validity discussed.