Gap sequences at a singularity (Q1262362)

The notion of Weierstrass gap sequence is extended to singular points on an integral projective Gorenstein curve over an algebraically closed field of arbitrary characteristic. Let P be a singular point on such a curve of genus g. Instead of considering the Weil divisors \(P,2P,...,(2g- 1)P\), the authors consider chains \(J_ 1\supset J_ 2\supset...\supset J_{2g-1}\) of ideals in the local ring at P, where the colength of \(J_ k\) is k. A gap sequence is defined for any such chain. There can be many different gap sequences at a singularity and the nongaps do not necessarily form a semigroup. It is also shown that such a curve over the complex numbers is hyperelliptic if and only if there is a chain as above at a point on the curve such that two is a nongap.