Genus 2 curves with (3,3)-split Jacobian and large automorphism group

Abstract

Let $\C$ be a genus 2 curve defined over $k$, $char (k) =0$. If $\C$ has a $(3,3)$-split Jacobian then we show that the automorphism group $Aut(\C)$ is isomorphic to one of the following: $\bZ_2, V_4, D_8$, or $D_{12}$. There are exactly six $\bC$-isomorphism classes of genus two curves $\C$ with $Aut(\C)$ isomorphic to $D_8$ (resp., $D_{12}$). %We compute their absolute invariants $i_1, i_2, i_3$. We show that exactly four (resp., three) of these classes with group $D_8$ (resp., $D_{12}$) have representatives defined over $\bQ$. We discuss some of these curves in detail and find their rational points.