Multiple \(\zeta\)-values, Galois groups, and geometry of modular varieties (Q4408044)

This is a beautiful blend of arithmetic and geometry on the theme of multiple zeta values, Galois groups and modular varieties. The arithmetic side involves the multiple zeta values, more generally, multiple polylogarithms at \(N\)th roots of unity, and the Galois action of the pro-\(l\) fundamental group \(\pi_1^{(l)}(X_N)\) of \(X_N= \mathbb{P}^1 \setminus \{0,\infty, \mu_N\}\), (\(\mu_N\) being the group of \(N\)th roots of unity). These are regarded as the Hodge and \(l\)-adic sites, respectively, of the study of the Lie algebra structure of the motivic Galois action on the motivic fundamental group of \(X_N\) which is connected to the higher generalization of the classical theory of cyclotomic units. The author also discusses a surprising relation between these problems and the geometry of modular varieties \(\Gamma(m;N) \setminus \text{GL}_m(\mathbb{R})/ O_m\cdot \mathbb{R}_+^\times\). In particular, using this relationship and based on the theory of mixed Tate motives over \(\text{Spec} (\mathbb{Z})\), the author obtains precise results on the Lie algebra of the Galois image in \(\Aut (\pi_1^{(l)} (X_N))\) and the sharp estimate on the dimensions of the \(\mathbb{Q}\)-vector space generated by the multiple polylogarithms at \(N\)th roots of unity with given depth and weight (the half inequality of the conjectural equality by D. Zagier). The same estimate (inequality) for the multiple zeta values was independently obtained by \textit{T. Terasoma} in a different way [Invent. Math. 149, 339--369 (2002; Zbl 1042.11043), see the following review]. The paper also includes the intriguing remark on the connection between multiple polylogarithms on curves, special values of \(L\)-functions and certain Feynman integrals. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0972.00031].