Generally rational polynomials in two variables

Abstract

Let k be an algebraically closed field. A polynomial F in k[X,Y] is said to be "generally rational" if, for almost all c in k, the curve " F= c '' is rational. It is well known that, if char(k)=0, F is generally rational iff there exists G in k(X,Y) such that k(F,G)=k(X,Y). We give analogous results valid in arbitrary characteristic.