An elementary approach to \(L\)-functions \(\text{mod }p\) (Q1971707)

This paper touches foundations of the general theory of \(L\)-functions in positive characteristic. The author's constructions can be applied to \(L\)-functions associated with Frobenius-linear and Cartier-linear operators as well as to \(L\)-functions associated with \(\phi\)-sheaves (a generalization of Drinfeld modules). The paper circulated as a preprint since 1995, and was used, e.g., by \textit{Y. Taguchi} and \textit{D. Wan} in their study of \(L\)-functions of \(\phi\)-sheaves [J. Am. Math. Soc. 9, 755-781 (1996; Zbl 0864.11032); J. Number Theory 63, 170-179 (1997; Zbl 0908.11026)].