Eisenstein series and the trace formula for \(\mathrm{GL}(2)\) over a function field (Q2439226)

In the early 1970's, \textit{H. Jacquet} and \textit{R. P. Langlands} [Automorphic forms on \(\mathrm{GL} (2)\). York: Springer-Verlag (1970; Zbl 0236.12010)] stated the non-invariant trace formula for \(\mathrm{GL}(2)\) over a number field, and provided a sketch of its proof. The trace formula has been the subject of intensive investigations and is the cornerstone of deep results and conjectures in representation theory and harmonic analysis. The author of the paper under review uses the unpublished proof by Drinfeld of the trace formula in the function field case to prove the trace formula for a convolution operator on the space of cusp forms on \(\mathrm{GL}(2)\) over the function field of a smooth projective (absolutely) irreducible curve over a finite field. All terms in the formula are explicitly computed. In particular, the author describes in great detail the ingredients and the strategy of Drinfeld's proof and explains how it provides a good framework for possible generalisations. The paper also contains several open questions.