Strong approximation and descent (Q2408335)

Let \(X\) be an algebraic variety defined over a number field \(k\), and \(S\) a finite set of places of \(k\). We say that strong approximation holds for \(X\) off \(S\) if the image of the set of rational points \(X(k)\) is dense in the space of adelic points \(X(\mathbb A^S_k)\) outside \(S\). Strong approximation for \(X\) off \(S\) implies the Hasse principle for S-integral points on any \(S\)-integral model of \(X\). For a proper variety \(X\), strong approximation off \(S=\emptyset\) is the same as weak approximation. In this paper, the authors consider two classes of affine hypersurfaces defined by the equation of the form \(P(\mathbf t)=N_{K/k}(\mathbf z)\), where, in the first case, \(P(\mathbf t)=c(t^ 2-a)\) and \(K/k\) is a quartic extension containing \(\sqrt a\), and in the second case, \(k=\mathbb Q\) and \(P(\mathbf t)\) is a product of linear polynomials over \(\mathbb Q\) in at least two variables. They establish strong approximation on such varieties using descent methods. The descent method generally refers to the process of expressing rational points on a variety as the union of the images of rational points of auxiliary varieties. Here the authors reduce the problem of strong approximation on the variety in question to strong approximation on their universal torsors under tori over the original variety. For example, in the first case, the universal torsor is essentially an affine surface in \(\mathbb A^8\) with fibration over \(\mathbb A^4\) whose fibers are three dimensional quadrics. The principal lemma used for their proof is base on descent theory of \textit{J.-L. Colliot-Thélène} and \textit{J.-J. Sansuc} [Duke Math. J. 54, 375--492 (1987; Zbl 0659.14028)].