Algebraic curves over \({\mathbb{F}}_ 2\) with many rational points (Q1187809)

The author derives a lower bound for \(A(2)\), the upper limit of the number of \(\mathbb{F}_ 2\)-rational points on non-singular projective curves \(X\) over \(\mathbb{F}_ 2\) divided by their genus \(g_ X\). \textit{V. G. Drinfel'd} and \textit{S. G. Vlădut} [Funct. Anal. Appl. 17, 53-54 (1983); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 17, No. 1, 68-69 (1983; Zbl 0522.14011)] showed that \(A(2)\leq\sqrt 2-1\). The author shows by constructing a special infinite class field tower that \(A(2)\geq 2/9\). The construction is based on a sufficient criterion for the function field of a curve \(X\) defined over a finite field \(\mathbb{F}_ q\) to have an infinite \(S\)-class field tower, with \(S\) a nonempty set of places of \(X\). The criterion is deduced by modifying a cohomological method developed in \textit{R. Schoof} [J. Reine Angew. Math. 372, 209-220 (1986; Zbl 0589.12011)] to the function field case. If \(X\) admits an infinite \(S\)- class field tower and \(S\) consists of rational places then one obtains the lower bound \(A(q)\geq\#S/(gx-1)\). Finally the author exhibits a curve \(X\) over \(\mathbb{F}_ 2\) of genus 19 which satisfies his criterion with a set \(S\) of 4 rational places.