A generalization of simplest number fields and their integral basis (Q2036574)

The simplest number fields of degree 3,4,6 are well known from their favourable properties in the theory of algebraic numbers. For example the simplest cubic fields of \textit{D. Shanks} [Math. Comput. 28, 1137--1152 (1974; Zbl 0307.12005)] are generated by a root \(\alpha\) of the polynomal \(x^3-ax^2-(a+3) x-1\), having an integer basis \((1,\alpha,\alpha^2)\) in case \(t^2+3t+9\) is square-free. All these fields are totally real, cyclic and their Galois group is generated by a mapping \(x\to\frac{ax+b}{cx+d}\). They share the property, that the explicit form of the integral bases only depends on some congruence properties of the parameter involved. Just like for quadratic number fields \(K=\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{d})\) (with a square-free \(d\)), the integral basis is either \((1,\sqrt{d})\) or \((1,(1+\sqrt{d})/2)\) according as \(d\equiv 2,3 \bmod 4\) or \(d\equiv 1 \mod 4\). In such cases we say that the structure of the integral basis is periodic.\par The author uses an interesting construction to generalize the well known simplest families of number fields to arbitrary degrees. These families of fields preserve the most important properties of the classical simplest families of fields. Also, he proves that the structure of an integral basis of the fields generated by a root of these polynomials is periodic and this integral basis is given explicitely.\par This construction can be useful for several applications in algebraic number theory.