On the zeta-function of a polynomial at infinity (Q1568130)

Considering polynomial function \(P:\mathbb C^{n+1}\to\mathbb C\) as a meromorphic function on \(\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}^n\), the authors decompose the zeta function \(\zeta_P(t)\) of the geometric monodromy at infinity as a product \(\prod_\Xi\zeta_\Xi^\infty(t)\) of zeta functions of meromorphic germs. \(\zeta_P\) is a global object but the \(\zeta_\Xi^\infty\) are local, being defined via local monodromy acting on a suitable Milnor fibre. More precisely, if \(x\) is a point in the hyperplane at infinity of \(\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}^n\), the germ of \(P\) at \(x\) determines zeta functions \(\zeta^0_x(t)\) and \(\zeta^\infty_x(t)\) coming from the numerator and denominator of~\(P\) at~\(x\): they are defined by the authors in [Funct. Anal. Prilozh. 32, No. 2, 26-35 (1998; Zbl 0933.32003)]. It is possible to choose a partition of the hyperplane at infinity into semi-analytic sets \(\Xi\) on each of which \(\zeta^\infty_x(t)\) is independent of \(x\in\Xi\); and then \(\zeta_\Xi^\infty=\zeta^\infty_x(t)\) for \(x\in\Xi\). The proof of this result is not given here as it is formally identical to that of an analogous result also due to the authors [Comment. Math. Helv. 72, No. 2, 244-256 (1997; Zbl 0901.32024)]. Instead some examples and applications are given. In the case \(n=2\), and also in the case when \(P\) satisfies a certain regularity condition, the authors write down the sets \(\Xi\) explicitly and analyse the behaviour of~\(P\) in each case in sufficient detail to enable them to calculate \(\zeta_P\). They also give a criterion for \(0\in\mathbb C\) to be atypical at infinity for~\(P\) (any point in the bifurcation set of~\(P\) is either atypical at infinity or a critical value). This is done by decomposing the zeta function \(\zeta^0_P\) associated with the restriction of \(P\) to the complement of a suitable ball in \(\mathbb C^{n+1}\), in a similar way to the decomposition of \(\zeta_P\). From this it follows that \(0\) is atypical at infinity if \(\zeta^0_P\) is not identically equal to~\(1\).