Totally \(T\)-adic functions of small height (Q2039118)

Summary: Let \(\mathbb{F}_q(T)\) be the field of rational functions in one variable over a finite field. We introduce the notion of a totally \(T\)-adic function: one that is algebraic over \(\mathbb{F}_q (T)\) and whose minimal polynomial splits completely over the completion \(\mathbb{F}_q ((T))\). We give two proofs that the height of a nonconstant totally \(T\)-adic function is bounded away from zero, each of which provides a sharp lower bound. We spend the majority of the paper providing explicit constructions of totally \(T\)-adic functions of small height (via arithmetic dynamics) and minimum height (via geometry and computer search). We also execute a large computer search that proves certain kinds of totally \(T\)-adic functions of minimum height over \(\mathbb{F}_q (T)\) do not exist. The problem of whether there exist infinitely many totally \(T\)-adic functions of minimum positive height over \(\mathbb{F}_q (T)\) remains open. Finally, we consider analogues of these notions under additional integrality hypotheses.