Drinfeld modules in rank 2 with CM and S-unit j-invariants
Pith reviewed 2026-06-27 23:56 UTC · model grok-4.3
The pith
The set of j-invariants of rank-2 CM Drinfeld modules over F_q[T] that are S-units is finite.
A machine-rendered reading of the paper's core claim, the machinery that carries it, and where it could break.
Core claim
The set of j-invariants of Drinfeld modules of rank 2 over F_q[T] which are CM and S-units, for S the infinite set of primes with even degrees, is finite. The proof rests on the ordinary and supersingular reduction properties of the modules together with the splitting behaviour of primes dividing the difference of two Drinfeld singular moduli. An algorithm computes a polynomial over F_q[T] whose roots are the j-invariants with CM by a given order, and for a maximal order this polynomial is shown to be the Hilbert modular polynomial by a universality argument.
What carries the argument
The splitting behaviour of primes dividing the difference of two Drinfeld singular moduli, used together with the ordinary and supersingular reduction properties of the modules.
If this is right
- Only finitely many such j-invariants exist.
- The algorithm produces the minimal polynomial over F_q[T] for the j-invariants with CM by any given order.
- When the order is maximal the algorithm yields the Hilbert modular polynomial.
- Explicit computations with the algorithm give counterexamples to Dorman's conjecture.
Where Pith is reading between the lines
- The same reduction and splitting techniques might apply to Drinfeld modules over other function-field rings if analogous reduction statements hold.
- Running the algorithm for small q and varying orders would produce tables of CM j-invariants that could be compared with class-number data in function-field class field theory.
- The counterexamples indicate that any revised version of Dorman's conjecture must impose extra restrictions on the orders or the base ring.
Load-bearing premise
The finiteness argument assumes that ordinary and supersingular reduction types plus the splitting of primes in singular-modulus differences are strong enough to bound the possible CM orders and their j-invariants.
What would settle it
An explicit infinite family of distinct rank-2 CM Drinfeld modules over F_q[T] whose j-invariants are S-units for the even-degree primes would disprove the claim.
Figures
read the original abstract
We prove the finiteness of the set of $j$-invariants of Drinfeld modules of rank 2 over $\mathbb{F}_q[T]$ which are CM and $S$-units, for $S$ the infinite set of primes with even degrees. The proof is based on the study of ordinary reduction and supersingular reduction of Drinfeld modules, and on the splitting behaviour of primes dividing the difference of two Drinfeld singular moduli. We also provide an algorithm to compute a polynomial with coefficients in $\mathbb{F}_q[T]$ and roots the $j$-invariants having CM by a given order, and use it to compute some explicit examples, providing for instance counterexamples to a conjecture of Dorman. For a maximal order $\mathcal{O}$, we prove by a universality argument that our algorithm computes the Hilbert modular polynomial $H_\mathcal{O}$.
Editorial analysis
A structured set of objections, weighed in public.
Referee Report
Summary. The manuscript proves the finiteness of the set of j-invariants of rank-2 Drinfeld modules over F_q[T] that have complex multiplication (CM) and are S-units, where S is the infinite set of primes of even degree. The argument relies on ordinary and supersingular reduction properties together with the splitting behavior of primes dividing j1 - j2 for distinct Drinfeld singular moduli. The authors also supply an algorithm that, for a given order, outputs a polynomial over F_q[T] whose roots are the relevant j-invariants; they prove by a universality argument that this algorithm recovers the Hilbert modular polynomial H_O when the order is maximal, and they compute explicit examples that furnish counterexamples to a conjecture of Dorman.
Significance. The finiteness result for an infinite set S is a notable extension of CM theory to the function-field setting. The algorithm, its universality proof for maximal orders, and the explicit counterexamples to Dorman's conjecture constitute concrete computational and theoretical contributions that can be directly verified and built upon.
minor comments (2)
- The introduction should explicitly state the base field F_q and the precise definition of the set S of even-degree primes before the main theorem is formulated.
- In the description of the algorithm, the input format for the order O (e.g., as a basis or as a conductor) should be clarified to make the procedure reproducible from the text alone.
Simulated Author's Rebuttal
We thank the referee for their positive assessment of the manuscript, the recognition of its contributions to CM theory in the function-field setting, and the recommendation to accept.
Circularity Check
No significant circularity in the finiteness proof or algorithm
full rationale
The paper establishes a finiteness result for CM rank-2 Drinfeld j-invariants over F_q[T] that are S-units (S = even-degree primes) via ordinary/supersingular reduction and splitting of primes dividing differences of singular moduli; these are standard external tools from CM theory for function fields and do not reduce to any fitted parameter or self-definition within the paper. The algorithm for the Hilbert modular polynomial is justified by an independent universality argument for maximal orders, with explicit examples serving only as illustrations (including counterexamples to an external conjecture of Dorman). No load-bearing step equates a claimed output to its input by construction, and the derivation remains self-contained against external number-theoretic benchmarks.
Axiom & Free-Parameter Ledger
Reference graph
Works this paper leans on
-
[1]
, TITLE =
Thakur, Dinesh S. , TITLE =. 2004 , PAGES =
2004
-
[2]
Chen, Yen-Mei J. , TITLE =. Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =. 2008 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1016/j.jnt.2007.12.011 ,
-
[3]
75 years of mathematics of computation , SERIES =
Caranay, Perlas and Greenberg, Matthew and Scheidler, Renate , TITLE =. 75 years of mathematics of computation , SERIES =. 2020 ,. doi:10.1090/conm/754/15148 ,
-
[4]
Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =
Yu, Jiu-Kang , TITLE =. Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =. 1995 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1006/jnth.1995.1108 ,
-
[5]
Mathematische Annalen , VOLUME =
Gekeler, Ernst-Ulrich , TITLE =. Mathematische Annalen , VOLUME =. 1983 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1007/BF01455309 ,
-
[6]
Journal f\"ur die Reine und Angewandte Mathematik
Andr\'e, Yves , TITLE =. Journal f\"ur die Reine und Angewandte Mathematik. [Crelle's Journal] , VOLUME =. 1998 , PAGES =. doi:10.1515/crll.1998.118 ,
-
[7]
Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =
Hsia, Liang-Chung and Yu, Jing , TITLE =. Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =. 1998 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1006/jnth.1997.2211 ,
-
[8]
1964 , PAGES =
Bourbaki, Nicolas , TITLE =. 1964 , PAGES =
1964
-
[9]
Mathematische Zeitschrift , VOLUME =
Artin, Emil , TITLE =. Mathematische Zeitschrift , VOLUME =. 1924 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1007/BF01181074 ,
-
[10]
Jensen, Christian U. and Thorup, Anders , TITLE =. Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra , VOLUME =. 2015 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1016/j.jpaa.2014.05.013 ,
-
[11]
Karemaker, Valentijn and Katen, Jeffrey and Papikian, Mihran , TITLE =. Journal of Algebra , VOLUME =. 2024 , PAGES =. doi:10.1016/j.jalgebra.2023.12.037 ,
-
[12]
, TITLE =
Dorman, David R. , TITLE =. Compositio Mathematica , VOLUME =. 1991 , NUMBER =
1991
-
[13]
Algebra & Number Theory , VOLUME =
Habegger, Philipp , TITLE =. Algebra & Number Theory , VOLUME =. 2015 , NUMBER =. doi:10.2140/ant.2015.9.1515 ,
-
[14]
International Mathematics Research Notices
Bilu, Yuri and Habegger, Philipp and K\"uhne, Lars , TITLE =. International Mathematics Research Notices. IMRN , YEAR =. doi:10.1093/imrn/rny274 ,
-
[15]
Journal f\"ur die Reine und Angewandte Mathematik
Breuer, Florian , TITLE =. Journal f\"ur die Reine und Angewandte Mathematik. [Crelle's Journal] , VOLUME =. 2005 , PAGES =. doi:10.1515/crll.2005.2005.579.115 ,
-
[16]
Journal f\"ur die Reine und Angewandte Mathematik
Breuer, Florian , TITLE =. Journal f\"ur die Reine und Angewandte Mathematik. [Crelle's Journal] , VOLUME =. 2012 , PAGES =. doi:10.1515/crelle.2011.136 ,
-
[17]
Breuer, Florian , TITLE =. Comptes Rendus Math\'ematique. Acad\'emie des Sciences. Paris , VOLUME =. 2007 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1016/j.crma.2007.05.008 ,
-
[18]
K\"uhne, Lars , TITLE =. Annals of Mathematics. Second Series , VOLUME =. 2012 , NUMBER =. doi:10.4007/annals.2012.176.1.13 ,
-
[19]
Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society , VOLUME =
Bilu, Yuri and Masser, David and Zannier, Umberto , TITLE =. Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society , VOLUME =. 2013 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1017/S0305004112000461 ,
-
[20]
Brown, Martin L. , TITLE =. Inventiones Mathematicae , VOLUME =. 1992 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1007/BF01231341 ,
-
[21]
International Mathematics Research Notices
Cojocaru, Alina Carmen and Papikian, Mihran , TITLE =. International Mathematics Research Notices. IMRN , YEAR =. doi:10.1093/imrn/rnu178 ,
-
[22]
Armana, C\'ecile and Berardini, Elena and Caruso, Xavier and Leudi\`ere, Antoine and Nardi, Jade and Pazuki, Fabien , TITLE =. arXiv , YEAR =. 2601.02162 , ARCHIVEPREFIX =
-
[23]
On the singular Drinfeld modules of rank 2
Bae, Sunghan and Koo, Ja Kyung , journal =. On the singular Drinfeld modules of rank 2. , url =
-
[24]
Silverman, Joseph H. , TITLE =. 1994 , PAGES =. doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-0851-8 ,
-
[25]
2025 , eprint=
CM Drinfeld Modules, Self-isogenous Modular Polynomials, and Volcano Structure , author=. 2025 , eprint=
2025
-
[26]
Sutherland, Andrew V. , TITLE =. Mathematics of Computation , VOLUME =. 2011 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1090/S0025-5718-2010-02373-7 ,
-
[27]
Dummit, David S. and Hayes, David , TITLE =. Mathematics of Computation , VOLUME =. 1994 , NUMBER =. doi:10.2307/2153547 ,
-
[28]
2010 , PAGES =
Maciak, Piotr , title =. 2010 , PAGES =
2010
-
[29]
Journal of the Ramanujan Mathematical Society , VOLUME =
Maciak, Piotr , TITLE =. Journal of the Ramanujan Mathematical Society , VOLUME =. 2011 , NUMBER =
2011
-
[30]
Mathematics of Computation , VOLUME =
Br\"oker, Reinier , TITLE =. Mathematics of Computation , VOLUME =. 2008 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1090/S0025-5718-08-02091-7 ,
-
[31]
Mathematics of Computation , VOLUME =
Enge, Andreas , TITLE =. Mathematics of Computation , VOLUME =. 2009 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1090/S0025-5718-08-02200-X ,
-
[32]
Advances in Math
Armana, C\'ecile and Angl\`es, Bruno and Bosser, Vincent and Pazuki, Fabien , TITLE =. Advances in Math. , VOLUME =. 2026 ,
2026
-
[33]
There are at most finitely many singular moduli that are
Herrero, Sebasti. There are at most finitely many singular moduli that are. Compositio Mathematica ,. 2024 , language =. doi:10.1112/S0010437X23007704 , keywords =
-
[34]
Breuer, Florian and Pazuki, Fabien and Razafinjatovo, Mahefason Heriniaina , TITLE =. Acta Arithmetica , VOLUME =. 2021 , NUMBER =. doi:10.4064/aa191029-8-7 ,
-
[35]
Bombieri, Enrico and Gubler, Walter , TITLE =. 2006 ,. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511542879 ,
-
[36]
Manuscripta Mathematica , VOLUME =
Campagna, Francesco , TITLE =. Manuscripta Mathematica , VOLUME =. 2021 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1007/s00229-020-01230-1 ,
-
[37]
Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society , VOLUME =
Campagna, Francesco , TITLE =. Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society , VOLUME =. 2023 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1017/S0305004122000378 ,
-
[38]
Mathematische Annalen , VOLUME =
David, Sinnou and Denis, Laurent , TITLE =. Mathematische Annalen , VOLUME =. 1999 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1007/s002080050319 ,
-
[39]
Li, Yingkun , TITLE =. Compos. Math. , FJOURNAL =. 2021 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1112/S0010437X21007077 ,
-
[40]
Annali della Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
R\'emond, Ga\"el , TITLE =. Annali della Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. Classe di Scienze. Serie V , VOLUME =. 2022 , NUMBER =. doi:10.2422/2036-2145.202010_062 ,
-
[41]
Taguchi, Yuichiro , TITLE =. Duke Math. J. , FJOURNAL =. 1991 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1215/S0012-7094-91-06225-3 ,
-
[42]
Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =
Taguchi, Yuichiro , TITLE =. Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =. 1993 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1006/jnth.1993.1055 ,
-
[43]
Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =
Taguchi, Yuichiro , TITLE =. Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =. 1999 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1006/jnth.1998.2316 ,
-
[44]
Inventiones Mathematicae , VOLUME =
Wei, Fu-Tsun , TITLE =. Inventiones Mathematicae , VOLUME =. 2020 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1007/s00222-019-00944-8 ,
-
[45]
International Mathematics Research Notices
Griffon, Richard and Pazuki, Fabien , TITLE =. International Mathematics Research Notices. IMRN , YEAR =
-
[46]
Variation of height in an isogeny class over a function field , author =. arXiv , year =. 2503.14318 , archivePrefix =
-
[47]
Papikian, Mihran , TITLE =. 2023 , ISBN =. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-19707-9 ,
-
[48]
Goss, David , year =. Basic. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-61480-4 ,
-
[49]
2002 , publisher =
Algebra , author =. 2002 , publisher =
2002
-
[50]
International Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =
Pazuki, Fabien , TITLE =. International Journal of Number Theory , VOLUME =. 2019 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1142/S1793042119500295 ,
-
[51]
Faltings, Gerd , TITLE =. Inventiones Mathematicae , VOLUME =. 1983 , NUMBER =. doi:10.1007/BF01388432 ,
-
[52]
Kronecker limit formula over global function fields , volume =
Wei, Fu-Tsun , journal =. Kronecker limit formula over global function fields , volume =. doi:10.1353/ajm.2017.0027 , year =
-
[53]
Minimal terminal
Potemine, Igor Yu , journal =. Minimal terminal. 1998 , publisher =
1998
-
[54]
Algebra colloquium (Publications de l'Institut de recherche math
Robba, Philippe , TITLE =. Algebra colloquium (Publications de l'Institut de recherche math. 1985 ,
1985
-
[55]
Funkcial
Duval, Anne , TITLE =. Funkcial. Ekvac. , FJOURNAL =. 1983 , NUMBER =
1983
-
[56]
Rosen, Michael , TITLE =. 2002 ,. doi:10.1007/978-1-4757-6046-0 ,
-
[57]
, TITLE =
Hayes, David R. , TITLE =. Studies in algebra and number theory , SERIES =. 1979 , ISBN =
1979
-
[58]
V\'elu, Jacques , TITLE =. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris S\'er. A-B , FJOURNAL =. 1971 , PAGES =
1971
-
[59]
Annales de la Facult
On singular and supersingular invariants of Drinfeld modules , author=. Annales de la Facult. 1997 , url=
1997
-
[60]
2026 , publisher =
Liam Baker , title =. 2026 , publisher =
2026
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.