Bounds for the relative class number problem for function fields (Q6950324)

The authors obtain effective bounds for the relative class number problem for finite separable extensions of function fields, thereby reducing the classification for fixed relative class number \(m\) to a finite computation. They further solve the relative class number \(2\) problem when the base constant field is not \(\mathbb{F}_2\), showing that only \(q \in \{3,4,5\}\) occurs and explicitly determining the corresponding extensions, with one exceptional noncyclic cubic case. The proof uses Prym-variety methods, Weil-type estimates, refinements for small \(q\), and computer calculations.