Connecting interpolation and multiplicity estimates in commutative algebraic groups (Q289835)

Let \(G\) be a commutative algebraic group and \(\Gamma\) a finitely generated subgroup of \(G\). In transcendental number theory, an important tool is a zero estimate (or multiplicity estimate), which produces a lower bound for the degree of a nonzero polynomial vanishing (with multiplicity) on some finite subset of \(\Gamma\) [\textit{D. W. Masser} and \textit{G. Wüstholz}, Invent. Math. 64, 489--516 (1981; Zbl 0467.10025); \textit{P. Philippon}, Bull. Soc. Math. Fr. 114, 355--383 (1986; Zbl 0617.14001); ibid. 115, 397--398 (1987; Zbl 0634.14001); Rocky Mt. J. Math. 26, No. 3, 1069--1088 (1996; Zbl 0893.11027)]. Another useful tool is an interpolation estimate which produces an upper bound for a polynomial taking given values at the points of such a finite subset. [\textit{D. Roy}, J. Number Theory 94, No. 2, 248--285 (2002; Zbl 1010.11039); \textit{S. Fischler}, Compos. Math. 141, No. 4, 907--925 (2005; Zbl 1080.14054); \textit{M. Nakamaye}, in: Number theory, analysis and geometry. In memory of Serge Lang. Berlin: Springer. 475--498 (2012; Zbl 1268.11097); \textit{S. Fischler} and \textit{M. Nakamaye}, Ann. Inst. Fourier 64, No. 3, 1269--1289 (2014; Zbl 1330.14076)]. Multiplicity estimates are used together with auxiliary functions, interpolation estimates with auxiliary functionals. Each of these two auxiliary results involves some algebraic subgroup of \(G\) which is responsible for a possible obstruction. In the present paper, the authors introduce a chain of algebraic subgroups of \(G\) which control the distribution of these points. This gives a unified treatment of the two auxiliary results and provides a bridge between multiplicity estimates and interpolation lemmas.