On the linear independence of \(p\)-adic \(L\)-functions modulo \(p\) (Q609663)

Let \(p\) be an odd prime and let \(\chi_1, \dots, \chi_n\) be Dirichlet characters of conductor \(d\), where \(d\) is not divisible by \(p\). Let \(\omega\) be the Teichmüller character and let \(\theta_{i,j}\) be \(\chi_i \omega^{2j+1}\) or \(\chi_i \omega^{2j}\), whichever choice makes \(\theta_{i,j}\) an even character. Let \(f(T,\theta_{i,j})\) be the Iwasawa power series attached to \(\theta_{i,j}\). Let \(\pi\) be the uniformizer of \(\mathbb Q_p(\chi_1, \dots, \chi_n)\). Assume that the characters \(\chi_1, \dots, \chi_n\) are distinct mod \(\pi\). It is proved that the elements of the set \[ \{ 1, \overline{f(T,\theta_{i,j})}\, | \, 1\leq i\leq n, 0\leq j\leq (p-3)/2\} \] are linearly independent over \(\Omega\), where \(\overline{f}\) denotes the reduction mod \(\pi\) and \(\Omega\) is the fraction field of the ring of pseudopolynomials, namely power series of the form \(\sum_{i=1}^r c_i(T+1)^{a_i}\) with \(c_i\in \overline {\mathbb{F}_p}\) and \(a_i\in \mathbb Z_p\). Earlier work of the first author [Acta Arith. 134, No. 4, 349--367 (2008; Zbl 1230.11131)] showed that each power series \(f(T,\theta_{i,j})\) is not in \(\Omega\).