Recovering affine curves over finite fields from $L$-functions

Abstract

Let $K$ be the function field of a curve over a finite field of odd characteristic. We investigate using $L$-functions of Galois extensions of $K$ to effectively recover $K$. When $K$ is the function field of the projective line with four rational points removed, we show how to use $L$-functions of a ray class field to effectively recover the removed points up to automorphisms of the projective line. When $K$ is the function field of a plane curve, we show how to effectively recover the equation of that curve using $L$-functions of Artin-Schreier extensions of $K$.