On geometrically $C_1$ fields

Abstract

A field $k$ is called geometrically $C_1$ if every smooth projective separably rationally connected $k$-variety has a $k$-rational point. Given a henselian valued field of equal characteristic $0$ with divisible value group, we show that the property of being geometrically $C_1$ lifts from the residue field to the valued field. We also prove that algebraically maximal valued fields with divisible value group and finite residue field are geometrically $C_1$. In particular, any maximal totally ramified extension of a local field is geometrically $C_1$.