The arithmetic of critical values II: critical elliptic curves

Abstract

In this second chapter of the $\textit{Arithmetic of critical values}$ series (ACV), we study certain double covers $E_f\to\mathbb{P}^1$ whose branch locus coincides with that of a quartic polynomial $f$. We give a direct proof of the fact, already shown non-constructively in ACV I, that the elliptic curves $E_f$ admit a $3$-isogeny. Our methods are Galois-theoretic, and lead us to a thorough analysis of the Galois closure of $f:\mathbb{P}^1\to\mathbb{P}^1$. We exploit its rich geometry to prove a Selmer companionship theorem for the family $E_f$, allowing us to exhibit elements in certain Tate-Shafarevich groups which are visible in an abelian surface. We also give some dynamical and Diophantine applications of our constructions, as well as new examples of Jacobians isogenous to a power of an elliptic curve.