An Arakelov-theoretic approach to naïve heights on hyperelliptic Jacobians (Q2339288)

Let \(K\) be a global field with \(\operatorname{char} K\neq 2\), and let \(C\) be a hyperelliptic curve over \(K\). The paper under review addresses the problem of computing the (finite) sets of rational points of bounded Néron-Tate height on the Jacobian of \(C\) (relative to two times the theta divisor). This is done by defining a naïve height (actually, three naïve heights) and finding computable bounds for the difference between these heights and the canonical height. A point on the Jacobian of \(C\) corresponds to a divisor \(D\) of degree \(0\) on the curve \(C\). The first naïve height is defined using \(v\)-adic metrics between pairs of divisors on \(C\) with disjoint supports, for each place \(v\) of \(K\). The final naïve height is given by the height of the polynomial whose roots are the \(x\)-coordinates of the points in \(D\), with multiplicity. To compare these heights with the canonical height, the author uses Arakelov theory on an arithmetic surface corresponding to \(C\); in particular, it uses in a key way the formula that expresses the canonical height in terms of local Néron pairings. This formula is due to \textit{G. Faltings} [Ann. Math. (2) 119, 387--424 (1984; Zbl 0559.14005)] and \textit{P. Hriljac} [The Néron-tate height and intersection theory on arithmetic sur faces. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (PhD Thesis) (1983); Am. J. Math. 107, 23--38 (1985; Zbl 0593.14004)]. Explicit bounds on the height difference are given for three specific examples, including a curve of genus \(11\) over \(\mathbb F_{101}(t)\).