On binary quadratic forms with the semigroup property (Q2377565)

A quadratic form \(f\) is said to have the semigroup property if its values at the points of the integer lattice form a semigroup under multiplication. A bilinear map \(s: \mathbb R^2\times\mathbb R^2\to\mathbb R^2\) is an integer normed pairing with respect to a quadratic form \(f: \mathbb R^2\to\mathbb R\) if it takes \(\mathbb Z^2\times\mathbb Z^2\to\mathbb Z^2\) and satisfies the property \(f(s(x,y)= f(x)f(y)\) for all \(x,y\in\mathbb R^2\). A problem of \textit{V. Arnold} [Bull. Braz. Math. Soc. (N.S.) 34, No. 1, 1--42 (2003; Zbl 1044.11016)] is to describe all binary integer quadratic forms with semigroup property. In this article, all nondegenerate quadratic forms admitting integer normed pairings have been described. Explicit polynomial formulas for all possible integer normed pairings have also been given. They split into four families according to their type. Integer normed pairings of types \((+,+)\), \((-,+)\), \((+,-)\) depend on five parameters and always come together. However, integer normed pairings of type \((-,-)\), which depend on four parameters, behave very differently. The arithmetic of positive definite quadratic forms is closely related to the geometry of two-dimensional lattices in \(\mathbb C\). The integer normed pairings of types \((+,+)\), \((-,+)\) and \((+,-)\) are described as those corresponding to ideals in the rings of quadratic integers. Quadratic forms admitting normed pairings of only one type \((-,-)\), give rise to elements of order 3 in the class groups. Indefinite forms correspond to lattices in the algebra \(\mathbb H\) of hyperbolic numbers. Indefinite forms with the semigroup property admit results analogous to those for positive definite forms. From the trigroup property it follows that an integer quadratic form representing 1 satisfies the semigroup property. It turns out that such a form admits integer normed pairings of all four types in this case.