The Lehmer inequality and the Mordell-Weil theorem for Drinfeld modules (Q863956)

Let \(E\) be a Drinfeld \(A\)-module over a field \(K\). Denote by MW\((E/K)\) the statement ``\(E(K)\) is the direct sum of a finite torsion \(A\)-module with a free \(A\)-module of countable rank.'' It is known that MW\((E/K)\) is true for all \(E\) over all fields \(K\) which are at the same time finitely generated and infinite \textit{B. Poonen} [Compos. Math. 97, No. 3, 349--368 (1995; Zbl 0839.11024)] and \textit{J. T.-Y. Wang} [Manuscr. Math. 106, No. 3, 305--314 (2001; Zbl 0992.11039)]. In the paper under review it is shown that MW\((E/K)\) holds when \(K\) is a finitely generated extension of a countable field \(L\) and \(E\) is non-constant (i.e. \(E\) can not be obtained by base change from a Drinfeld module over an algebraic extension of \(L\). The result is obtained by establishing lower bounds on heights of non-torsion points on \(E(K)\).