Analytic computation of some automorphism groups of Riemann surfaces (Q2480077)

Let \(X\) denote a non-hyperelliptic compact Riemann surface of genus \(g=3\) and let \(G\) denote the group of automorphisms of \(X\). Assume that \(G\) is nonabelian and generated by its involutions. In the paper under review, the author shows how to determine \(G\) by exhibiting certain properties of vanishings of Riemann's theta function. This also determines equations in the moduli space of surfaces of genus \(3\) for the loci consisting of surfaces with automorphism group \(G\). The work is divided into two main steps. First, when a group \(G\) contains two non-commuting involutions, then it must contain a dihedral subgroup. This motivates a study of non-hyperelliptic surfaces of genus \(3\) on which a dihedral group acts. The only two possibilities for such a group are \(D_{3}\) and \(D_{4}\), the dihedral groups of order \(6\) and \(8\) respectively. Using topological arguments, the author determines necessary and sufficient conditions for when the group \(D_{3}\) or when the group \(D_{4}\) acts on \(X\) in terms of the existence of theta vanishings which satisfy certain properties. Next, the author considers larger groups of automorphisms which can act on \(X\). Referring to [\textit{C. MacLachlan}, Groups of automorphisms of compact Riemann surfaces, PhD Thesis, University of Birmingham, England, (1966)], aside from the dihedral groups, there are four possible groups which can act on \(X\) satisfying the properties outlined above. Using the previously developed results on dihedral groups and further combinatorial arguments, the author again determines necessary and sufficient conditions on a case by case basis for when each of the four groups acts on \(X\) in terms of the existence of theta vanishings which satisfy certain properties.