Mean values of \(L\)-functions over function fields (Q5894658)

The purpose of this paper is to study the average values of twists, by quadratic characters, of \(L\)-series associated with automorphic forms on \(GL_2\) over function fields. The method which the author develops here is the study of the Rankin-Selberg convolution of the form in question with an Eisenstein series on the metaplectic cover of \(GL_2\) of order 2. The author carries out this programme when the function field is rational and the field of constants is \(\mathbb{F}_q\) with \(q\) prime and \(q\equiv 1\pmod 4\). The infinite place is singled out and the theory developed in analogy to the classical case. The author develops a sieve to pick out the primitive characters and obtains an estimate for the averages of the \(L\)-functions at the centre of the critical strip with a good error term. This also leads to non-vanishing results for these values.