The $p$-adic Riemann Hypothesis For Expnonential Sums

Abstract

The $L$-function of exponential sums associated to the generic polynomial of degree $d$ in $n$ variables over a finite field of characteristic $p$ is studied. A polygon called the Frobenius polygon of the generic polynomial of degree $d$ in $n$ variables over a finite field of characteristic $p$ is defined. A $p$-adic Riemann hypothesis is formulated. It asserts that the Newton polygon of the $L$-function coincides with the Frobenius polygon when $p$ is large enough. This $p$-adic Riemann hypothesis is proved when $n=2$ and $p\equiv-1({\rm mod }\ d)$. In general, it is proved that the Newton polygon of the $L$-function lies above the Frobenius polygon with coincide endpoints when $p$ is large enough.