A New Discriminant for the Hardy Z-Function and the Corrected Gram's law

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a novel variational framework rooted in algebraic geometry for the analysis of the Hardy $Z$-function. Our primary contribution lies in the definition and exploration of $\Delta_n(\overline{a})$, a newly devised discriminant that measures the realness of consecutive zeros of $Z(t)$. Our investigation into $\Delta_n(\overline{a})$ and its properties yields a wealth of compelling insights into the zeros of $Z(t)$, including the corrected Gram's law, the second-order approximation of $\Delta_n(\overline{a})$, and the discovery of the G-B-G repulsion relation. Collectively, these results provide compelling evidence supporting a new plausibility argument for the Riemann hypothesis.