Sums of squares in algebraic function fields over a complete discretely valued field (Q2510042)

Let \(T\) be a complete discrete valuation ring with residue field \(k\) of characteristic different from \(2\), and let \(K\) be the field of fractions of \(T\). Then for quadratic forms over an algebraic function field \(F\) over \(K\) there is a local-global principle for isotropy of quadratic forms of dimension at least \(3\) (with respect to all nondyadic valuations on \(F\)). This was proved by \textit{J.-L. Colliot-Thélène} et al. [Comment. Math. Helv. 87, No. 4, 1011--1033 (2012; Zbl 1332.11065)] and is related to the earlier work of \textit{R. Parimala} and \textit{V. Suresh} [Ann. Math. (2) 172, No. 2, 1391--1405 (2010; Zbl 1208.11053)] and \textit{D. Harbater} et al. [Invent. Math. 178, No. 2, 231--263 (2009; Zbl 1259.12003)]. The authors of the present paper use this local-global principle to obtain several definitive results on the \(u\)-invariant \(u(F)\) and the Pythagoras number \(p(F)\) of the algebraic function field \(F\). In particular they prove that the upper bound for \(u(F)\) equals the double of the upper bound for \(u(E)\), where \(E\) is algebraic function field over \(k\). For the rational function field \(K(X)\) they deduce that \[ u(K(X)) = 2 \cdot \sup \{u(l(X)): l/k \mathrm{ finite \;separable \;field \;extension}\}, \] \[ p(K(X)) = \sup \{p(l(X)): l/k \mathrm{ finite \;field \;extension}\}. \] When \(K\) is an iterated formal power series field over a real closed field, it is proved that \(p(F) \leq 3\) and the factor group of nonzero sums of squares, modulo the subgroup of sums of two squares, is finite.