On the equality of periods of Kontsevich-Zagier

Abstract

Effective periods were defined by Kontsevich and Zagier as complex numbers whose real and imaginary parts are values of absolutely convergent integrals of $\mathbb{Q}$-rational functions over $\mathbb{Q}$-semi-algebraic domains in $\mathbb{R}^d$. The Kontsevich-Zagier period conjecture states that any two different integral expressions of a period are related by a finite sequence of transformations only using three rules respecting the rationality of functions and domains: integral addition by integrands or domains, change of variables and Stokes' formula. In this paper, we introduce two geometric interpretations of this conjecture, seen as a generalization of Hilbert's third problem involving either compact semi-algebraic sets or rational polyhedra equipped with piece-wise algebraic forms. Based on known partial results for analogous Hilbert's third problems, we study possible geometric schemes to prove this conjecture and their potential obstructions.