On algebraic curves with many automorphisms in characteristic \(p\) (Q2152851)

In this paper, the author addresses the open problem of whether it is possible to find an optimal function \(f(g)\) (where \(g\) is the genus of a curve \(\mathcal{X}\) over a finite field), such that the existence of an automorphism group \(G\) of \(\mathcal{X}\) with \(|G| \geq f(g)\) implies \(\gamma=0\), for \(\gamma\) the \(p\)-rank of \(\mathcal{X}\). A partial, but meaningful, answer is given for curves of arbitrary genus \(g \geq 2\). The approach is based on two fundamental results of ramification theory, namely the Hurwitz genus formula and the Deuring-Shafarevich formula, which provide a connection between the genus and \(p\)-rank of a curve and the quotient curve associated with one of its automorphism groups.