Minimal $a$-numbers of Artin--Schreier covers of ordinary curves

Abstract

Let $k$ be a perfect field of characteristic $p>0$, and let $d$ be a positive integer not divisible by $p$. We define a non-empty Zariski open subset $U$ of the space of polynomials of degree $d$, and for $f(x)\in U(k)$, we compute the $a$-number of the curve defined by $y^p-y=f(x)$. This $a$-number realizes a lower bound given by Booher and Cais, so the latter is tight. Our result also implies that the bound of Booher and Cais for minimal $a$-numbers of Artin-Schreier covers of ordinary curves is tight.