On the Atkin $U_t$-operator for $\Gamma_1(t)$-invariant Drinfeld cusp forms

Abstract

We study the diagonalizability of the Atkin $U_t$-operator acting on Drinfeld cusp forms for $\Gamma_1(t)$ and $\Gamma(t)$ using Teitelbaum's interpretation as harmonic cocycles. For small weights $k\leqslant 2q$, we prove $U_t$ is diagonalizable in odd characteristic and we point out that non diagonalizability in even characteristic depends on antidiagonal blocks.