On \(b\)-function, spectrum and rational singularity (Q1318047)

Let \(X\) be a complex manifold, \(D\) a reduced divisor on it, and \(f\) a defining equation of \(D\). Let \(b_ f(s)\) be the \(b\)-function (i.e., Bernstein polynomial) of \(f\), and \(-\alpha_ f\) the maximal root of \(b_ f(s)/(s+1)\). Then we show that \(D\) has rational singularity if and only if \(\alpha_ f>1\). We get also some relation between the roots of the \(b\)-function and the spectrum of \(f\). Let \(U=X \backslash D\) with natural inclusion \(j:U \to X\). Let \(F\) and \(P\) be the Hodge and pole order filtration on \(j_ * \underline O_ U\). Then we have the inclusion \(F_ i \subset P_ i\), which implies a result of Deligne-Dimca on the Hodge and pole order filtration on the cohomology of \(U\). We have the equality \(F_ i=P_ i\) for \(i \leq \alpha_ f-1\).