Noncommutative geometry methods in number theory.
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Date
2014
Authors
Pilch, Konrad
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Advisors
Varghese, Mathai
Murray, Michael Kevin
Murray, Michael Kevin
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Thesis
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Abstract
Noncommutative geometry deals with many natural spaces for which the classical set-theoretic tools of analysis, such as measure theory, topology, calculus, and metric ideas lose their pertinence, but which correspond very naturally to a noncommutative algebra. While looking for new ways to get information about the Riemann zeta function (as an essential ingredient of the Riemann Hypothesis), Alain Connes and Benoît Bost published a paper [5] in 1995 discussing the use of certain quantum statistical mechanical systems (noncommutative geometric objects) called Bost-Connes systems to recover the class field theory for number fields. The Bost-Connes system surprisingly relates to Galois theory and the maximal abelian extensions of number fields. This has led to speculation that it may have use in trying to get a deeper understanding of abelian extensions of number fields and thus has been seen as one approach to solving Hilbert’s 12th problem, which aims to generalise an incredible result called the Kronecker-Weber Theorem, which asserts that the maximal abelian extension of the rationals, Qab [ab superscript], is generated by the roots of unity. Hilbet’s 12th problem asks, for any given number field K, to describe the generators of the maximal abelian extension Kab [ab superscript] of K in terms of algebraic values of a transcendental function of K. While there has been progress in this area using modern number theoretic methods, it remains unsolved. This thesis is predominantly an exposition of the research that has been done in this very young and exciting area. In particular, the Bost-Connes system will be reformulated as an enveloping C*-algebra of commensurability classes of Q-lattices, as a groupoid C*-dynamical system and as a semigroup crossed product system. In the thesis a new Bost-Connes type system is constructed, called the partial Connes-Marcolli system and it generalises the systems that are currently studied. It also satisfies a generalised Bost-Connes Problem statement. At the end of the thesis there is also a discussion on how these systems could be used to try to deduce the Kronecker-Weber Theorem from purely noncommutative geometry objects.
School/Discipline
School of Mathematical Sciences
Dissertation Note
Thesis (M.Phil.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Mathematical Sciences, 2014
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This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals