On class number relations and intersections over function fields (Q2169324)

The classical Kronecker-Hurwitz class number relation gives an identity that involves the class number of the quadratic order \({\mathcal O}_d\) with discriminant \(d\) where \(d\) is a negative integer with \(d\equiv 0\) or \(1\bmod 4\), derivated via a ``modular polynomial''. This is a concrete example relating class numbers, intersections and Fourier coefficients. In [Invent. Math. 36, 57--113 (1976; Zbl 0332.14009)], \textit{F. Hirzebruch} and \textit{D. Zagier} established the ground theory of Hilbert modular surfaces associated with real quadratic fields. The purpose of the paper under review is to attempt an exploration of this phenomenon in the function field setting and to derive a Hirzebruch-Zagier style geometric interpretation for the class number relations in positive characteristic. The authors study class number relations over function fields and the intersections of Hirzebruch-Zagier type divisor on the Drinfeld-Stuhler modular surfaces. This is achieved by means of a particular ``harmonic'' theta series with nebentypus. Using the strong approximation theorem, the Fourier coefficients of this series are expressed in two ways, one comes from modified Hurwitz class numbers and another gives the intersection numbers in question. The first main result is the expression for the intersection number of the Hirzebruch-Zagier divisors: Theorems 3.9 and 4.7, and Corollary 4.10. The second main result is that under the conditions of the first main result, there exists a Drinfeld type automorphic form whose Fourier expansion gives the bridge mentioned above and provides a way to produce Drinfeld type forms with non-trivial nebentypus (Theorem 3.18).