Algebraic and arithmetical properties of Mahler infinite products generated by the second degree polynomials (Q6095448)

Let \(r\geq 2\), \(\mathbb K\) be a field, and \((a_k), (b_k)\in\mathbb K^{\mathbb N}\); consider the infinite product \[ \Psi_0(X) = \prod_{k=0}^\infty \Big( 1+a_k X^{r^k} + b_k X^{2r^k}\Big)\] as a formal power series in \(X\). The main result of the paper under review is an explicit necessary and sufficient condition for \(\Psi_0\) to be rational (i.e., to belong to \(\mathbb K(X)\)). When \(r\geq 3\) this was known already, as a special case of a result of \textit{Y. Tachiya} [J. Number Theory 125, No. 1, 182--200 (2007; Zbl 1116.11053)]. But the case \(r=2\) is new, and rather surprising: complicated examples exist for which \(\Psi_0\) is rational, and the authors provide counter-examples to a general result of \textit{M. Amou} and \textit{K. Väänänen} [J. Number Theory 153, 283--303 (2015; Zbl 1317.11077)]. Applying the equivalence between the algebraicity of the values of a Mahler function at algebraic points and the rationality of the Mahler function itself, established by Tachiya in this setting [loc. cit.], the authors deduce transcendence results. The proofs rely on explicit Padé-type approximants.