$p$-adic $L$-functions on metaplectic groups

Abstract

With respect to the analytic-algebraic dichotomy, the theory of Siegel modular forms of half-integral weight is lopsided; the analytic theory is strong whereas the algebraic lags behind. In this paper, we capitalise on this to establish the fundamental object needed for the analytic side of the Iwasawa main conjecture -- the $p$-adic $L$-function obtained by interpolating the complex $L$-function at special values. This is achieved through the Rankin-Selberg method and the explicit Fourier expansion of non-holomorphic Siegel Eisenstein series. The construction of the $p$-stabilisation in this setting is also of independent interest.