Local acyclicity in \(p\)-adic cohomology (Q2043768)

Every cohomology theory of algebraic varieties over a field \(k\) comes with a natural class of ``smooth'' coefficient objects. If \(\ell\) is a prime distinct from \(\mathrm{char}(k)\), one can consider \(\ell\)-adic étale cohomology, and the smooth coefficient objects are the lisse \(\ell\)-adic sheaves. If \(\mathrm{char}(k) = 0\), one can consider de Rham cohomology, and the smooth coefficient objects are vector bundles with integrable connection. When \(\mathrm{char}(k) > 0\), one can consider rigid cohomology, and the smooth coefficient objects are overconvergent F-isocrystals. Categories of coefficient objects come equipped with six functors formalisms, and a natural question to ask is when the higher direct image functors preserve smoothness of coefficient objects. In other words, if \(f : X \to S\) is a smooth morphism of algebraic varieties over \(k\) and \(E\) is a smooth coefficient object, then one might want to know when \(\mathbf{R}^i f_! E\) is smooth on all of \(S\) (not just generically on \(S\)). When \(f\) is proper, this is true, for example, in \(\ell\)-adic étale cohomology and in rigid cohomology [\textit{D. Caro}, Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér. (4) 48, No. 1, 131--169 (2015; Zbl 1375.14067)]. The paper under review proves such a result when \(f\) is a relative curve (not necessarily proper). In this case, one needs to impose a condition at infinity: namely, one insists on constant irregularity at infinity. This is analogous to a result of Laumon's in the setting of \(\ell\)-adic étale cohomology [\textit{G. Laumon}, Astérisque 82--83, 173--219 (1981; Zbl 0504.14013)], in which one insists on constant Swan conductor at infinity. In fact, two versions of this theorem are proved in this paper: theorem 4.7 proves a version phrased in the language of Monsky-Washnitzer cohomology, an theorem 10.2 proves a version phrased in the language of arithmetic D-modules.