The rank of the second Gaussian map for general curves (Q654925)

For a smooth curve \(X\), one defines the higher Gaussian maps \(\mu_k\) as higher order generalisations of the classical Gauss map of the canonical embedding of \(X\). The paper under review deals with the second Gaussian map \(\mu_2:\;I_2(K_X)\rightarrow K_X^{\otimes 4}\), where \(I_2(K_X)\) is the vector space of forms of degree \(2\) vanishing on the canonical model of \(X\). This map has a modular interpretation, as being related to the second fundamental form of the Torelli embedding of the moduli space of genus \(g\) curve in the moduli space of abelian varieties. The main result of the paper is that \(\mu_2\) has maximal rank for a general curve of genus \(g\). Specifically, this means that the map is injective for genus \(g\leq 17\) and surjective otherwise. Even though the result is not particularly unexpected, the surjectivity has been previously proven only for curves of genus \(g>125\) [\textit{E. Colombo} and \textit{P. Frediani}, Nagoya Math. J. 199, 123--136 (2010; Zbl 1208.14021)]. The proof relies on studying the rank of the degeneration of \(\mu_2\) to a special class of stable curves, called \textit{binary curves}, consisting of two rational components meeting in \(g+1\) general points. On such curves, it is possible to describe the second Gaussian map rather explicitly. This allows to prove the surjectivity of \(\mu_2\) in genus \(g\geq 19\) by an inductive argument. The rank of \(\mu_2\) for binary curves of genus \(g\leq 18\) is calculated by implementation on a computer algebra system. The script of the algorithm is included in the appendix of the paper.