Cohomology and \(L\)-values (Q428134)

In a celebrated article, \textit{G. Shimura} [J. Math. Soc. Japan 11, 291--311 (1959; Zbl 0090.05503)] obtained an expression for critical \(L\)-values of an elliptic Hecke eigenform in terms of the integral of the eigenform along a path joining a pair of cusps in the modular curve. This initiated the study of arithmetic aspects of the \(L\)-values and the theory of modular symbols. In this article, the author obtains an analogous expression in the case of Hilbert modular forms over real quadratic fields. The analogue of the path is an element in a second cohomology of the Hilbert modular surface. The expression also treats certain non-critical \(L\)-values. As in the work of Shimura, the author obtains relations between certain critical \(L\)-values based on the expression. It seems interesting to understand arithmetic significance of the relations based on the Bloch-Kato conjecture. In view of the significance of the theory of modular symbols, it seems natural to try to develop a theory of modular symbols in the set up. The article is perhaps a first step along theses lines.