The \(p\)-rank strata of the moduli space of hyperelliptic curves (Q549213)

Let \(k\) be an algebraically closed field of characteristic \(p>2\). Let \(\mathcal{H}_g^f\) be the locus of genus \(g\) hyperelliptic curves with \(p\)-rank \(f\). In this paper the monodromy action of irreducible components of \(\mathcal{H}_g^f\) is studied. The main result is that the Jacobian \(J(C)\) of a general hyperelliptic curve \(C\) of genus \(g\) and \(p\)-rank \(f\) satisfies \(End(J(C))\cong \mathbb Z\). Applications in connection with Newton polygons, absolutely simple Jacobians, class groups and zeta functions are given.