2
$\begingroup$

If E is a complex elliptic curve defined as the quotient of C over a lattice generated by w_1 and w_2, then it can be also written in Weierstrass form y^2=4*x^3-g_2*x-g_3. The coefficients g_2 and g_3 can be computed as well-known Eisenstein sums, however, there is a better expression in terms of Jacobi theta-functions of w_1 and w_2 (and as a consequence, an expression for j-invariant via w_2/w_1). Unfortunately, I could not find that expression in the books on my bookshelf, like Koblitz, Milne, Silverman etc, and the only place on the Internet where I found such formulas, were two wiki-articles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weierstrass's_elliptic_functions and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theta_function. These formulas, however, contradict each other, and neither of them, when run on computer, gives rational values for elliptic curves with complex multiplication and class number 1. Can anybody give a reliable link to correct formulas?

$\endgroup$

3 Answers 3

3
$\begingroup$

I recommend Lester R. Ford's classic book "Automorphic Functions" for this. It gives very explicit formulae for all these quantities, in particular, the $J$-invariant, and it is written with great care in a very readable style.

$\endgroup$
5
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks a lot. I'll try to find that book. If all else fails, I'll look nt up on Amazon. $\endgroup$
    – potap
    Nov 13, 2012 at 13:39
  • $\begingroup$ I found a pdf file on the Internet. The book is VERY good, but it does not give any formulas for $j$ in terms of theta-functions of $\tau$. $\endgroup$
    – potap
    Nov 13, 2012 at 14:35
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Oh, sorry. I was working from memory because I don't have a copy of Ford here at home. I thought it was there. Did you try Herb Clemens' book A Scrapbook of Complex Curve Theory? Perhaps the formulae you want might be in there. If I didn't see it in Ford, then it's possible that I saw it in Clemens. $\endgroup$ Nov 13, 2012 at 15:32
  • $\begingroup$ @potap: I finally had a chance to look in Clemens' book, and it turns out that the formulae that you want (for the $j$-function in terms of theta functions) are in Chapter III. I'm sorry for mis-directing you to Ford. $\endgroup$ Nov 13, 2012 at 23:58
  • $\begingroup$ @Robert: Shame on me! I turned back on my chair and immediately found a paperback copy of that book in Russian translation. How come I did not think about it? (Imagine that I know Herb personally and I have even participated in a party at his home...) Thanks a lot! $\endgroup$
    – potap
    Nov 14, 2012 at 4:45
2
$\begingroup$

A good modern source in English is N. Akhiezer, Elements of the theory of elliptic functions. The formulas you are asking are in section 21, chapter IV.

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks a lot. I managed to find a dejaview file of that book in Russian. This is exactly what I needed! The best. $\endgroup$
    – potap
    Nov 13, 2012 at 14:53
1
$\begingroup$

The formulas at the Wikipedia article on the J-invariant seem to be correct. At least, the formula $g_2 = \frac{2\pi^4}{3}(\theta_{00}^8 + \theta_{01}^8 + \theta_{10}^8)$ yields $g_2 = 60G_4 = \frac{4\pi^4}{3}E_4$, as one would expect from the usual coordinate representation of the $E_8$ lattice.

I don't know what you mean when you say that the expression of $j$ in terms of Jacobi theta functions is "better". Each expression has its advantages.

$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you. But I think that $g_2$ cannot be expressed in terms of $\tau$ alone: it depends on both periods $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ and can change under homotheties! Do you mean that $\omega_1=1$ and $\omega_2=\tau$? By "better" I mean computational complexity, as I'm doing computer experiments. $\endgroup$
    – potap
    Nov 13, 2012 at 10:06
  • $\begingroup$ The standard convention is $\omega_1 = 1$ and $\omega_2 = \tau$. You can adjust for arbitrary pairs of periods using the fact that weight $k$ forms are homogeneous of degree $-k$ under homothety. $\endgroup$
    – S. Carnahan
    Nov 13, 2012 at 13:43
  • $\begingroup$ Yes I know. However, you can take Weierstrass's $P$ and $P'$ for any lattice and write the relation between them which will depend both on $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ (the equivalence class of the curve will be defined by the ratio alone, of course). $\endgroup$
    – potap
    Nov 13, 2012 at 14:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.